The terrible family tragedy behind an historic USA 100m hurdles clean sweep in Rio

Kristi Castlin dedicated her 100 metre hurdles medal to victims of gun violence after helping the United States claim a historic podium sweep in the event on Wednesday.

The 28-year-old Los Angeles-based sprinter claimed bronze behind gold medallist Brianna Rollins and Nia Ali in silver as the US sealed a 1-2-3 in the event.

Castlin, whose father was shot dead in 2000 at the hotel he managed, later said she hoped to work to help victims of gun violence.

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“Losing my father at the age of 12 to gun violence, I’ve overcome so much,” she said.

“I want to connect more with young people that have been victims of gun violence. I feel, when I was young, I definitely had a lot of good guidance but sometimes I didn’t have someone of my age that I really could talk too.”

Castlin had earlier celebrated the unique US triumph with Ali and Rollins, close friends in what she described as a “black girl magic movement.”

Ali shared the moment with her toddler son Titus, bringing him onto the track at the Olympic Stadium during a lap of honour.

“We actually came to this not as individuals but as a team and that’s how we got the job done,” Castlin said.