Italian Lamont Jacobs Wins Gold In 100-Meter Dash

Lamont Jacobs is the first-ever from Italy to win an Olympic medal in the 100-meter dash in the Games’ 125-year history. Not only that but he now holds the title of the world’s fastest man.

Jacobs was born in Texas to an Italian mother and American father. His parents split when he was six months old and his mother took him back to Italy. Jacobs said that he did not speak to his father again until last year, but he needed to reconnect to prepare for the Olympics.

Jacobs set a European record in the men’s 100-meter dash, finishing in 9.80 seconds to win the gold medal. It capped a glorious few minutes for Italy at the Olympic Stadium with Jacobs’ victory coming shortly after It capped a glorious few minutes for Italy at the Olympic Stadium with Jacobs’ victory coming shortly after Gianmarco Tamberi‘s gold medal in the high jump.

“It was my childhood dream to win an Olympic Games, and obviously, a dream can turn into something different, but to run this final and win it is a dream come true,” Jacobs said after his win. “I want to thank my family that has always supported me, my children, and my mom, who has been my number one fan since I was a child, and my team who have followed me and those who support me.”