American Women Go on a Medal Run on the Track and in the Field

By Scott Bush

While there is plenty of track and field action left to be seen in Rio, Wednesday's evening action might have been the most dominant we'll see the United States squad in 2016. Over the course of twenty minutes, Team USA scored two gold, two silver and two bronze medals, adding to the silver earned in the morning session by Evan Jager in the 3000m steeplechase. 

Easily the highlight of the night came in the women's 100m hurdles, where U.S. teammates Brianna Rollins, Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin were victorious through the semi-final round earlier in the evening, then did the unthinkable and swept the medal stand in the final. The 1-2-3 sweep has never occurred in the women's 100m hurdles, neither at the Olympics nor the World Championships. 

Heading into the Olympic Games, many hinted that the U.S. could sweep the medals in the event, but the same discussions took place last year, where the United States ended up with zero medals in the event at the World Championships in Beijing. 

Rollins showed why she was considered the favorite coming in, taking gold in 12.48, well ahead of her competition. Ali got off to a great start and hung on at the end, nabbing silver, while Castlin beat former University of Michigan star Cindy Ofili (GBR) in the final ten meters of the race, winning bronze 12.61-12.63.

Final Results - Women's 100m Hurdles

12.48 - Brianna Rollins (USA)
12.59 - Nia Ali (USA)
12.61 - Kristi Castlin (USA)
12.63 - Cindy Ofili (GBR)
12.74 - Cindy Roleder (GER)
12.76 - Pedrya Seymour (BAH)
12.76 - Tiffany Porter (GBR)
12.89 - Phylicia George (CAN)

American Dominance Continues in Long Jump

The three women considered the top medal favorites heading into the women's long jump did not disappoint Wednesday, as American teammates Tianna Bartoletta, Brittney Reese and Serbia's Ivana Spanovic took home the gold, silver and bronze. 

Heading into the fifth round, Bartoletta led, but just as she was getting comfortable in first, Reese soared to a 7.09m leading mark. Bartoletta, jumping after Reese, one upped her rival by jumping 7.17m. Heading into the final round, the two ranked 1-2, with Spanovic settling into the third spot. On her final attempt, Reese gave it all she had, but it wasn't enough, as she crashed into the sand at 7.15m, a mere three centimeters from taking the lead. 

With Reese's final effort not matching Bartoletta's, but besting Spanovic's, Team USA took home another gold and another silver, showcasing the dominance of the duo against the other best jumpers in the world. For Reese, it was a bit disappointing, as she had hoped to repeat her gold medal success at the 2012 London Olympics, but if she had to lose to anyone, she was happy it was her American teammate. 

Bartoletta joins a short and illustrious list of American women who've won the Olympic long jump, which is a mere two names, those of Reese and the great Jackie Joyner-Kersee. Bartoletta also pushes the streak of major international wins for the American women to six. Reese won the 2012 Olympic title, as well as the 2009, 2011 and 2013 world titles, while Bartoletta took home gold in Beijing at the World Championships last year. 

Finishing off the greatness of Bartoletta on the evening, the 30 year old's 7.17m mark was a new personal best and moves her into a tie for 21st place all-time. 

Top Ten Results - Women's Long Jump

7.17m - Tianna Bartoletta (USA)
7.15m - Brittney Reese (USA)
7.08m - Ivana Spanovic (SRB)
6.95m - Malaika Mihambo (GER)
6.81m - Ese Brume (NGR)
6.79m - Ksenija Balta (EST)
6.74m - Brooke Stratton (AUS)
6.69m - Jazmin Sawyers (GBR)
6.63m - Darya Klishina (RUS)
6.61m - Sosthene Moguenara (GER)

Tori Bowie Grabs Bronze, While Elaine Thompson is a Rising Superstar

The world need take notice of Jamaica's Elaine Thompson. The 100m Olympic champion turned in another gold medal performance Wednesday evening, edging pre-race favorite Dafne Schippers (NED) to the line to win 21.78-21.88. Thompson stood in shock as her name scrolled across the giant screen in the Olympic Stadium, flashing first place and adding to the 24 year old's growing status. 

Schippers crossed second, equally as shocked by her loss, while American Tori Bowie, who won silver in the 100m dash, took home the bronze in 22.15. Bowie's Rio performance were a highlight for sprint fans in the U.S., proving she's the best short sprinter in the country at the moment.

Final Results - Women's 200m

21.78 - Elaine Thompson (JAM)
21.88 - Dafne Schippers (NED)
22.15 - Tori Bowie (USA)
22.21 - Marie-Josee Ta Lou (CIV)
22.31 - Dina Asher-Smith (GBR)
22.34 - Michelle-Lee Ahye (TTO)
22.65 - Deajah Stevens (USA)
22.69 - Ivet Lalova-Collio (BUL)