Allman wins women’s discus gold at Paris Games

PARIS: Valarie Allman clinched the women’s discus gold at the Paris Olympics on Monday, becoming the first American to successfully defend the title.

The 29-year-old produced a best throw of 69.50 meters to finish ahead of silver medalist Feng Bin of China. Croatia’s Sandra Elkasevic took the bronze medal. “I don’t know how to put into words what I’m feeling,” Allman said. “I feel so grateful for how tonight played out.

“I didn’t let myself believe that I was Olympic champion until it was all done. I think it’s been such a fight to show up and to be at our best and do it when it matters. “I feel so grateful for having this come together, a little bit of luck on our side, and being able to walk away on top. It’s just so special.”

Allman said years of experience had helped her to deal with the pressure of being the defending champion. “Pressure is becoming my friend,” he said. “I think it’s one of those things I’ve learnt can bring out the best in you if you embrace it.”

“I felt like I was really in the zone and just doing great, and I felt that so much in my prelim. And then tonight, I think on my first throw, I felt the weight of, ‘Holy crap, this is the Olympics’.

She added: “It took me a minute to find my groove, but once my coach got me in a better headspace, and we just took it throw by throw, it felt like things were just clicking and that stadium filled with 80,000 people were just bringing out the best in all the athletes. I’m so grateful to embrace that and be part of such a historic night.”