In a stunning performance at the Paris Olympics, Natalia Kaczmarek claimed the bronze medal in the women’s 400-meter race, marking a significant achievement for Poland. The race was dominated by the pre-event favorite Marileidy Paulino, who took gold, followed by Salwa Eid Naser with silver.
Kaczmarek, who had already set a new Polish record earlier in June with a time of 48.98 seconds, demonstrated her medal-winning potential by capturing gold at the European Athletics Championships in Rome. She further improved her record, solidifying her status as a top contender at the Olympics.
During the semifinal in Paris, Kaczmarek continued to impress with a winning time of 49.45 seconds, but she knew the competition would be fierce in the final. Despite starting slower than her rivals, Kaczmarek executed a remarkable surge in the final stretch, overtaking her competitors to secure the bronze with a time of 48.98 seconds.
This medal marks the seventh for Poland at the Paris Olympics, adding to the nation’s tally of one gold, one silver, and four bronze medals.