The Photo-Finish of One of the Biggest Olympic Rivalries | Olympics On The Record

Gail Devers edges out Merlene Ottey in a thrilling photo finish Olympic 100m final at Atlanta 1996 that could barely have been any closer.


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[KeevthethunderChristJesus]

I like how the narrator referred to the other runners as outstanding athletes.

[kuroneko]

Ottey was a beautiful sprinter. Her form was impeccable.

[MajorrBison]

Gail is now 51 and ottey is 58, time flies.

[kevondale]

Merlene was such an incredible athlete who has never won an Olympic Gold. Now, Jamaican women are dominating in the 100M. 2008, 2012, 2016 and 2020 all Gold for Jamaica, 2008 and 2020 clean sweep of the podium for Jamaica and for the last 4 Olympics, Jamaican women have taken 10 of the 12 medals in the women's 100m. Merlene paved the way and Jamaica is doing Great. Proud

[lopukojohnmv]

USA vs Jamaica, an everlasting Olympic rivalry

[cody]

When everyone decides to be the best in the world at the same time

[lawrenceseow]

Ottey and Devers both great and it should have been two golds. Ottey is my favourite and didn't deserve to get silver.

[ozzie-raskenzie]

Merlin ottey will forever be Jamaica's foundation/ backbone the who made it possible to always be in the winnings

[michkaellawrence]

Marlene Joyce Ottey. I love you. You made me feel so good as a child growing up.

[mriyefa]

Those last 50 meters from Ottey so impressive.

[En]

I remember those photo finishes. Not for the faint of heart. The thrill and excitement were through the roof. I loved Merlene Ottey. She was a true champion for Jamaica 🇯🇲. Still my favorite female athlete of all time.

[mystery]

Ottey won, but the race being that close in that era on USA soil there was no way they would have given Ottey her earned gold medal.

[maxolien]

I remember these days my heart still races watching this many years later 🤣🤣

[nikelnicole]

I'm not sure what they used back then to determine a winner. If it was now Ottey would have won, her torso cross the finish line first.

[carolcrowley]

Gail Devers a world class athlete, that didn't let an illness block her dream of going for the gold.

[franman]

Today Elaine Thompson has the same running posture as Ottey. I love SFP but ET's form is the most attractive to me. A lot like Ottey's.

[francisjaffier]

what a terrific race to watch. Ottey did have beautiful form.

[finisherx]

Merlene Ottey was gorgeous . . and still is at almost 60 years old.

[TheTmat]

Ottey had amazing top speed. All she needed was the start.

[LK-bzsk]

Gail overcame Graves Disease too. Also so darn adorable.