PARIS -- Julien Alfred delivered a brilliant gun-to-tape performance to win the women's 100 meters final on Saturday and claim Saint Lucia's first-ever Olympic medal, though the controversial absence of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce left a cloud over the race.
Alfred made her usual quick start and remained clear in heavy rain on a sodden track to come home in a national record 10.72 seconds.
World champion and race favorite Sha'Carri Richardson took silver in 10.87 but the American never really threatened and her compatriot Melissa Jefferson claimed bronze in 10.92.
Double Olympic champion Fraser-Pryce, appearing in her fifth Olympics, was listed as 'did not start' shortly before the semifinals and her lane remained empty.
Social media footage later emerged of her and Jamaican team members arguing with officials who appeared to be refusing to let her in.
With Fraser-Pryce missing the heat, Richardson was slow out of the blocks and could not catch Alfred.
It was almost a repeat of last year's world championships, when Richardson sneaked into the final and won the title from lane nine.
There was to be no repeat this time, however, as Alfred hit her stride brilliantly and splashed home for the gold medal.
The United States' 28-year gold medal drought in the event goes on. Gail Devers was their last winner in 1996. Marion Jones was stripped of her 2000 Olympic gold for doping.
It also ended Jamaica's stranglehold on the event after they won the last four Olympic golds and 10 of the 12 available medals.
Information from Reuters was used in this report.
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