America Secures Gold in Hurdles at the Olympics While France Finally Scores a Track Medal

The Stade de France buzzed with excitement for nine consecutive nights as fans cheered on athletes from the United States, Kenya, Norway, and many other nations. A highly anticipated event culminated on Saturday with America’s Masai Russell clinching victory in the women’s 100-meter hurdles.

PARIS, France — Masai Russell of the United States narrowly secured gold in the women’s 100-meter hurdles in a dramatic photo finish. The race’s intensity reached a peak when Cyrena Samba-Mayela of France captured the silver, marking a historic moment as France’s first track medal of these Olympic Games.

The thrilling final saw Russell finish at 12.33 seconds, but her victory was uncertain for an agonizing 15 seconds until it was confirmed she edged out Samba-Mayela by just 0.01 seconds.

Puerto Rico’s Jasmine Camacho-Quinn, the defending champion, finished closely behind, earning the bronze medal, trailing by only 0.02 seconds.

Samba-Mayela’s achievement was particularly celebrated, ending France’s medal drought at the Stade de France on the last day of the track events.

The enthusiastic crowd had filled the stadium each night, showing immense support for athletes from across the globe. Samba-Mayela’s silver gave French fans a cherished moment to celebrate in person.

Earlier in the tournament, the loudest cheers had been reserved for swimmer Léon Marchand, who won a gold medal on the opening night, causing such an uproar that officials had to request silence.

Samba-Mayela’s podium finish offered a refreshing high note for France, a nation with a storied track legacy that includes legends like Marie-José Pérec and Renaud Lavillenie. Despite this success, France has not secured an Olympic gold on the track since Lavillenie’s pole vault victory in 2012.