Miller-Uibo wins back-to-back Olympic 400m Gold
Miller-Uibo ran a calculated dash to complete the 400m in 48.36 seconds, a new continental record.
Miller-Uibo ran in lane seven following the fastest qualifier Stephenie Ann McPherson of Jamaica in lane six and the American legend Felix on the outside in lane 9.
Felix, competing in her fifth and final Olympic Games, had a season’s best 49.46 to take the bronze medal, behind Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino who clocked 49.20, a new national record, to take the silver medal. Jamaican McPherson, despite being the fastest qualifier, missed a medal and could only finish fourth in 49.61.
Miller-Uibo won her second consecutive 400m Olympic gold medal by a comfortable margin, having done a similar feat in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
Five years ago, Miller-Uibo made headlines when she dove at the line to edge legendary American Felix by 0.07 to claim her maiden title.
Once again lining up against Felix, Miller-Uibo removed any doubt about the winner coming out of the bend with a commanding lead which she held to win in a new personal best of 48.36 seconds.
Racing on Miller-Uibo’s outside lane, the 35-year-old Felix produced a run that belied her years as she finished in third-place to win a record 10th medal becoming one of the most decorated female Olympian in track and field.
Meanwhile, Antonella Palmisano, who dominated in the second half, secured the nation’s fourth Gold Medal for the second time in as many days in Sapporo.
The Italian won the Olympic 20km race walk title in one hour, 29 minutes and 12 seconds – a timely and precious gift for her 30th birthday.
Palmisano, who finished fourth in Rio de Janeiro five years ago, made her presence felt from the start. But it wasn’t until she approached the 17km mark that she made her intentions clear.
She was alone by the time she reached the bell and completed much of the final lap with an occasional smile before reaching the finish line.
“Today is my day, a perfect way to celebrate my birthday,” she said after the win.
