Hobbs Becomes First New Zealander to Qualify for Olympic 100m Race

Zoe Hobbs became the first female athlete from New Zealand to qualify for the 100-meter event in Olympic athletics in nearly 50 years, achieving her personal best and winning the qualifying race in Switzerland. Hobbs (25 years old) finished the heats in 10.96 seconds before winning the final with a time of 11.13 seconds. Hobbs stated, "When I saw the time I achieved, I couldn't believe it. I didn't think I would record that time, especially with the conditions. The wind was strong." She added, "I didn't think I could achieve my best time in the heats. It was like a shock when I saw the time."