Felix Sanchez gave the Dominican Republic its first Olympic gold medal when he won the men's 400 meter hurdles Thursday in 47.63 seconds.
Danny McFarlane of Jamaica won the silver medal in 48.11 seconds. Naman Keita of France won the bronze in 48.26 seconds. Danny Carter of the United States was fourth in 48.58 seconds, while Bennie Brazell was eighth in 49.51.
Sanchez hasn't lost a race - heats included - since July 2, 2001, and he wasn't about to let that streak end at the Olympics. He overtook Carter in the final turn and then put on a burst of speed after clearing the final hurdle, easily outpacing the field.
When he crossed the finish line, Sanchez threw his head back with a look of relief then clasped his hands together. Someone gave Sanchez a Dominican flag and an olive wreath and he walked along the side of the track, waving to fans.
Danny McFarlane of Jamaica won the silver medal in 48.11 seconds. Naman Keita of France won the bronze in 48.26 seconds. Danny Carter of the United States was fourth in 48.58 seconds, while Bennie Brazell was eighth in 49.51.
Sanchez hasn't lost a race - heats included - since July 2, 2001, and he wasn't about to let that streak end at the Olympics. He overtook Carter in the final turn and then put on a burst of speed after clearing the final hurdle, easily outpacing the field.
When he crossed the finish line, Sanchez threw his head back with a look of relief then clasped his hands together. Someone gave Sanchez a Dominican flag and an olive wreath and he walked along the side of the track, waving to fans.
