)
Marileidy Paulino of Dominican Republic is favourite to win the 400m Olympics final but she is up against strong opposition.
The Women's 400m final at the 2024 Paris Olympics is set to be a thrilling sight of speed as eight athletes prepare to run for the gold medal.
Scheduled for Friday 9pm EAT, this event features a field of elite athletes, each vying for the coveted gold medal.
Here are the top contenders to keep an eye on.
1. Marileidy Paulino (Dominican Republic)
The standout favorite for the gold is Marileidy Paulino. The Dominican sprinter has been in great form, holding the world number one ranking since May 2023. Her impressive semi-final performance, where she clocked a time of 49.21, solidifies her position as a top contender. Paulino's previous Olympic experience, with two silver medals from Tokyo, adds to her credentials. Racing from lane six, she will be a force to reckon with.
)
14:08 - 09.08.2024
American sprint icon Michael Johnson on how incredibly similar Gabby Thomas is to Allyson Felix
Gabby Thomas is the new 200 meter champion at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic games, and Michael Johnson has now revealed how similar she is to the legendary Allyson Felix.
2. Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain)
Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser posted the fastest time in the semi-finals with a season's best 49.08. Her performance highlights her peak form heading into the final. Naser, known for her explosive speed, will look to translate her impressive semi-final run into a medal-winning performance.
3. Amber Anning (Great Britain)
Great Britain’s Amber Anning has been a revelation this season. The 23-year-old holds the British record indoors over 200m and delivered a personal best of 49.47 in the semi-finals. Anning’s versatility and recent success in the mixed 4x400m relay, where she won bronze, will serve as a strong foundation for her final race.
)
12:57 - 09.08.2024
Letsile Tebogo sends emotional message to mum who died three months ago
Botswana's Letsile Tebogo won the 200m at Paris 2024, honoring his late mother with a heartfelt tribute after victory.
4. Rhasidat Adeleke (Ireland)
Rhasidat Adeleke, from Ireland, finished second in her semi-final with a time of 49.12. While not as fast as Naser, Adeleke’s consistent performances throughout the season make her a strong competitor who could surprise the favorites.
5. Alexis Holmes (USA)
Representing the USA, Alexis Holmes will be making her Olympic debut in this event. Although she clocked a 50.00 in the semi-finals, her experience and the ability to rise to the occasion could play a pivotal role in her final performance.
6. Natalia Kaczmarek (Poland)
Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek is another athlete to watch. With a personal best of 49.45, she has shown that she can compete at the highest level. Her semi-final time, just behind Anning, indicates that she has the potential to challenge for a medal.
)
12:45 - 09.08.2024
Paris 2024 Olympics: Emmanuel Wanyonyi sets up Marco Arop clash in 800m final
Emmanuel Wanyonyi advanced to the men's 800m semifinals with a strong performance, but Wycliffe Kinyamal failed to advance after finishing third in heat two.
Race dynamics
The race is expected to be intensely competitive with Paulino and Naser likely to lead the pack.
The final could be decided by marginal improvements in form and strategy. Anning and Adeleke, with their recent performances, could also disrupt the top contenders and claim a podium spot.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)