The video scoreboard in National Stadium showed what Jones will never forget: leading the 100-meter hurdles with only two hurdles left to clear, 19 meters to go and the illusion that the Olympics reward those who deserve it most.
In an instant, she clipped the ninth hurdle with her right foot. Knocked off stride, she regained her balance, but it was too late. Too late for Lolo Jones. Too late for Sanya Richards. Too late for the pair of American favorites whose night was not supposed to end in tears.
Just 20 minutes before Jones collapsed onto her knees and tears streaked down her face, Richards appeared on her way to victory in the 400 meters. She led the pack with 80 meters to go. Suddenly, her stride slowed. Her lead shrunk. Two runners passed her before Richards crossed the finish line with a look of utter disbelief.
