US Women Sweep 100 Meter Hurdles in Rio for First Time Ever

Brianna Rollins, Nia Ali and Kristi Castlin placed 1-2-3 in historic race.

ByABC News
August 18, 2016, 4:47 AM

— -- Three U.S. women made history on Wednesday in Rio, placing 1-2-3 in the 100m hurdles in the first time ever that American women have swept an Olympic track and field event.

PHOTO: Brianna Rollins of the United States (C) competes on her way to winning the gold medal in the Women's 100m Hurdles Final ahead of silver medalist Nia Ali of the United States and bronze medalist Kristi Castlin of the United States
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 17: Brianna Rollins of the United States (C) competes on her way to winning the gold medal in the Women's 100m Hurdles Final ahead of silver medalist Nia Ali of the United States and bronze medalist Kristi Castlin of the United States on Day 12 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 17, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images)

Brianna Rollins ran away with the gold, while Nia Ali took the silver after running neck-and-neck with Kristi Castlin, who took home the bronze medal.

PHOTO: Bronze medalist Kristi Castlin, gold medalist Brianna Rollins and silver medalist Nia Ali of the United States react after the Women's 100m Hurdles Final
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 17: (L-R) Bronze medalist Kristi Castlin, gold medalist Brianna Rollins and silver medalist Nia Ali of the United States react after the Women's 100m Hurdles Final on Day 12 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 17, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

The race made history on several counts. It was the first sweep by any country in the event, and the first sweep in history for U.S. women in Olympic track and field.

The U.S. has medaled in five straight Olympic Games in the event. The three medals capped of a seven medal day for U.S. track and field, which also included a 1-2 finish in the long jump.

PHOTO: Bronze medalist Kristi Castlin (C) celebrates with gold medalist Brianna Rollins and silver medalist Nia Ali of the United States after the Women's 100m Hurdles Final
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - AUGUST 17: Bronze medalist Kristi Castlin (C) celebrates with gold medalist Brianna Rollins and silver medalist Nia Ali of the United States after the Women's 100m Hurdles Final on Day 12 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on August 17, 2016 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

It was a special day for Rollins, who sped to victory and captured gold just one hour before turning 25, at midnight.

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