There’s nothing like a hometown hero.
That’s how Nia Ali, a Philadelphia native, will return to the city after winning the silver medal at Wednesday’s Women’s 100 meter Hurdles Final. The U.S. women’s team swept the podium, with Kristi Castlin, from Georgia, and Brianna Rollins, of Florida, taking bronze and gold medals, respectively. Ali, a former West Philly Catholic athlete, clocked at 12.76 in her semifinal heat Tuesday, and finished at 12.59 in the finals last night.
With her mother, Melita Johnson, and son Titus, watching from the stands, Ali and her teammates made history for the United States in its first 1-2-3 sweep in the event.
“She worked hard, she earned it and she deserves it and she made everybody here in Philly proud,” Murphy toldNBC10. Obviously, this is a win for all of Philly.
Another win for #USA! So proud of Philly’s own @ItsPooda for winning the silver medal last night in the 100-meter hurdles! #Rio2016
— Senator Bob Casey (@SenBobCasey) August 18, 2016
Congrats to the entire @PhilaDHS Ali family on Nia’s (@ItsPooda) silver medal!!! pic.twitter.com/osLjkrLBqg
— Philly Public Health (@PHLPublicHealth) August 18, 2016
Nia Ali makes me proud to be from Philly. Congrats on that medal.
— Quasimodo (@James_W_Music) August 18, 2016
