Valarie Allman wins first U.S. track and field gold medal on first discus throw
Valarie Allman's last throw on Monday didn't count.
It didn't matter. Her first was more than good enough.
The U.S. discus thrower's first attempt in Monday's Olympic final traveled 68.98 meters, more than two meters farther than anyone else's. The foul on her last throw didn't bother her one bit. She responded with a smile and a dance knowing her place on the podium was secure.
Allman bested German silver medalist Kristin Pudenz (66.86 meters) and Cuban bronze medalist Yaime Perez (65.72 meters) to secure Team USA's first gold medal in track and field at the Tokyo Olympics. She's the third American woman to win gold in the event, joining Lillian Copeland from 1932 and Stephanie Brown Trafton from 2008. The 26-year-old achieved the feat in her first Olympic appearance.
Two-time Olympic champion Sandra Perkovic came up short of the podium in her effort for a third straight gold with a fourth-place throw of 65.01 meters.
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