Paulino sets new Olympic record in 400m final triumph
Marileidy Paulino's victory in the women's 400m saw her break Marie-Jose Perec's 28-year Olympic record at the Paris Games.
Dominican Republic's Marileidy Paulino set a new Olympic record to take gold in the women's 400m at the Paris Games on Friday.
Paulino, who won silver in Tokyo three years ago, crossed the finish line in 48.17 seconds, eclipsing Marie-Jose Perec's previous record of 48.25 that had stood since 1996.
It was the latest confirmation of the Dominican's recent dominance in the event following her victory at last year's World Championships in Budapest.
Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain finished in second, while Poland's Natalia Kaczmarek claimed bronze.
Great Britain's Amber Anning finished in fifth, breaking Christine Ohuruogu's British record, which has stood for 11 years, with a time of 49.29 seconds.
"I’m absolutely blessed. I am a little bit disappointed. I wanted to come away with three things," Anning said.
"It was either a medal, a PB or a national record and I got one of them. I'm just grateful to be in this position with these amazing girls.
"It was tough [the race], I think I let myself have too much work coming into home straight but I just used my strength.
"It’s been an amazing experience. "It’s still not done yet. I've got the relay tomorrow."
¡EL ORGULLO DE DOMINICANA!
— Los Juegos Olímpicos (@juegosolimpicos) August 9, 2024
Marileidy Paulino se convirtió en la primera mujer de este país en ganar una medalla de #oro en la historia de los Juegos.
¡Y lo hizo con récord olímpico! Estrella.#JuegosOlímpicos #Paris2024 I @COLIMDO @Marileidy_P pic.twitter.com/EtBc0gDdKd