RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — The pole vault world-record holder was banned. The hometown favorite didn't make it through qualifying.
It was all perfectly set up for Jenn Suhr to win another Olympic gold medal.
It didn't happen.
The American couldn't overcome a respiratory infection that left her dizzy, coughing up blood earlier in the day and throwing up twice near the pole vault area during the competition.
Suhr ended up tied for seventh Friday in an event won Ektaterini Stefanidi of Greece. Sandi Morris of the United States finished with silver and Eliza McCartney of New Zealand wound up with bronze.