Nia Ali

Qualifying for the Olympics in Rio is a feat in itself, but returning with hardware deserves a celebration. At least that's how some New Jersey municipalities feel.

The U.S. women swept the podium in the 100-meter hurdles final Wednesday night, the first country to accomplish the feat at the Olympics since the event started in 1972.

Nia  Ali, the 2006 Pleasantville High School graduate, has advanced to the semifinals in the women's 100-meter hurdles at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.