Inspired Goule delivers promised gold

NGoule ran an intelligent race, with a strong finish and overtook Cuba’s Rose Mary Almanza just after coming off the final curve to win in 2:01.26 minutes. Almanza took the silver in 2:01.64 minutes, while Deborah Rodriguez’s 2:01.66 secured a bronze medal for Uruguay.

After the race, she told that Fedrick Dacres, who took Pan Am Gold in the men’s discus a day before, inspired her even further to victory.

“It feels good knowing that I was able to get a Pan Am Games gold medal for my country,” she said. “We have pride for our country so to be able to come out here and get a gold after Fedrick defended his title, it’s an honour.”

Goule had concerns over her technique after the semi-final and wanted to improve it yesterday, however, she said the most important thing was just making sure she crossed the line first.

COME OUT VICTORIOUS

“My technique was better today but I didn’t position as well as I should’ve,” she said. “But to come out victorious, I’m not even watching the time, because I just wanted to win. That felt a little easy so it was good.”

Another inspiration for Goule, who now becomes the first Jamaican to medal in the event at the Games, was her friend Jazmine Fray, who crashed out at the semi-final stage. Goule had previously said that she intended to win gold in her honour.

“I feel good because she’s here watching and she was happy for me, after I’m finished running so I’m really happy that she has a smile on her face,” Goule said.

Jamaica also improved its medal count with Elaine Thompson claiming gold in the 100m final and Tajay Gayle taking silver in the men’s long jump. The medal tally now stands at eight, consisting of three gold, three silver, and two bronze.