Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic won gold in the women’s 400m at the Paris 2024 Olympics, breaking the Olympic record with a time of 48.17 seconds. This victory marks a historic moment as it is the first Olympic gold for a Dominican woman. Paulino aims to inspire young people through her achievement, while silver medalist Salwa Eid Naser expressed mixed emotions about her performance.
Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino achieved an extraordinary feat by securing the gold medal in the women’s 400m at the Paris 2024 Olympics on August 9. Not only did she win the race, but she also set a new Olympic record with a remarkable time of 48.17 seconds. This victory is historic, marking the first Olympic gold for a woman from her country.
Following her triumph, Paulino expressed her deep joy, stating, “This is the best of my life, absolutely it is. I saw myself as very strong, I’ve worked so hard and now I have an Olympic record.” The race took place at the Stade de France, where Paulino led the competition, finishing ahead of Salwa Eid Naser from Bahrain, who earned silver in 48.53 seconds, and Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek, who claimed bronze with a time of 48.98 seconds.
Having started her athletics career eight years ago to support her family, Paulino highlighted the significance of her win, saying, “For me this gold medal means a lot. It was the medal that I needed to complete an Olympic cycle and it is a medal that my country needed.” She emphasized her hope that her achievement would inspire young people facing difficulties, noting the potential opportunities her success may unlock for them.
Entering the event as a favored competitor after her victory at the previous year’s world championships, Paulino’s Olympic gold triumph is regarded as the pinnacle of her career. Salwa Eid Naser, though disappointed in her pursuit of gold, celebrated her silver medal, remarking, “I cannot even begin to put into words what this means. I am happy and at the same time I am sad.”
The Paris 2024 Olympics showcased athletic excellence, particularly in track and field, where the women’s 400m race drew significant attention. Marileidy Paulino’s win is particularly noteworthy as it represents a historic milestone for the Dominican Republic, marking a breakthrough in the country’s Olympic achievements. Athletics is a highly competitive arena, making medal wins especially prestigious.
Marileidy Paulino’s victory in the women’s 400m at the Paris 2024 Olympics is a historic and inspirational event. Her achievement not only set a new Olympic record but also marked a significant moment for the Dominican Republic in the Olympic history. This triumph is expected to encourage future generations and exemplify the fruits of hard work and determination.
Original Source: www.olympics.com
