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Maurren Higa Maggi of Brazil competes during the women's long jump final at the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest, during Beijing 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China, Aug. 22, 2008. Maurren Higa Maggi won the title with 7.04 metres. [Xinhua/Jiao Weiping]
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Maurren Maggi of Brazil claimed gold medal in women's long jump by bettering Russian elite Tatyana Lebedeva over one centimeter at the Beijing Olympics on Friday.
The champion secured her gold in the first attempt with 7.04 meters, her best performance this season. Lebedeva who took the silver in women's triple jump on Aug. 17, was narrowly behind with 7.03 meters. Blessing Okagbare of Nigeria took the bronze with 6.91 meters.
With the 7.04 meters mark, Maggi dominated the first place from the start to the end, despite Lebedeva's remarkable 7.03 meters in her last trials.
"I'm really happy to win the gold. This is the first gold medal won by a Brazilian woman from a field event," she said.
"I was so moved to hear the music of the Brazilian national anthem on the podium," said the champion who broke into tears at the medal ceremony.
"It's not an ending. I'll keep training in the future. I'm 32 years old, but I still can compete, and I'll go to London," she said.