RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL– Brittney Reese of Gulfport won the silver medal in the women’s long jump on Wednesday at Olympic Stadium.
Reese had a top jump of 7.15, which came on her sixth and final attempt. The Ole Miss alum
secured the gold medal in 2012 (7.12m/23-4.50). She is also a three-time World Outdoor gold medalist – 2009 (7.10m/23-3.50); 2011 (6.82m/22-4.50); 2013 (7.01m/23-0); and two-time World Indoor gold medalist – 2010 (6.70m/21-11.75); 2012 (7.23m/23-8.75AR).
While at Ole Miss, Reese became the American indoor record holder 7.23m/23-8.75 (2012); the 2007 NCAA Outdoor champion (6.50m/21-4); and 2007 SEC Women’s Field Athlete of the Year.
In 2008, Reese won first in the Olympic qualifier, and said that it pushed her enough to pursue her dreams of being a gold medalist.
“Finishing first gave me a lot of confidence,” said Reese. “Knowing I can compete with some of the best, and by me getting first and by winning first on my last jump, lets me know that I can go out there and compete and be motivated to win.”
Tianna Bartoletta won the gold for Team USA. This is the first time the U.S. has won gold and silver in the women’s long jump at the same Olympic Games. Women’s long jump was introduced at the London 1948 Olympic Games.
