American record-holder Valarie Allman got to work early on Monday in Tokyo in the women's discus final, uncorking a huge first attempt that proved timely as torrential rain followed and disrupted competition – the mark ultimately winning her an Olympic gold.
Allman's 68.98m toss outdistanced silver medalist Kristin Pudenz of Germany by more than two meters, or about seven feet.
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Reigning world champion Yaime Perez of Cuba took bronze with 65.72m.
The 26-year-old Hershey, Pennsylvania, native is a three-time U.S. champion and was seventh at the 2019 World Championships.
She's the first American to earn a medal in women's discus since Stephanie Brown-Trafton won gold at the 2008 Beijing Games.
Two-time defending Olympic champion Sandra Perkovic of Croatia finished just out of a podium spot in fourth.