Dwight Phillips led a 1-2 finish for the United States in the men's long jump on Thursday, jumping 8.59 meters on his first try to win the gold medal. US college champ John Moffitt was second with a personal best of 8.47.
Joan Lino Martinez of Spain took the bronze with a jump of 8.32 meters.
Phillips' mark was shy of his personal best, set earlier this season. It also was the second-best jump in the world this year; he now has the top six marks in the world this year. Phillips was trying to atone for a disappointing finish four years ago in Sydney, when he finished eighth as the United States failed to win a medal for the first time since the boycotted Moscow Olympics in 1980. And he didn't waste any time. Wearing gold-toned shoes, he made his winning leap on the first try, and then fouled on his next two attempts.
He didn't even bother taking his fourth and fifth jumps. Even though the gold was assured, Phillips took his last attempt and jumped 8.35.
Phillips immediately raised his hands in celebration and then motioned to Moffitt. Phillips ran over to his US teammate, grabbed him in a bearhug, and then led Moffitt in a victory lap, waving the American flag.
Phillips immediately raised his hands in celebration and then motioned to Moffitt. Phillips ran over to his US teammate, grabbed him in a bearhug, and then led Moffitt in a victory lap, waving the American flag.