ATHENS – One day after windsurfer Gal Fridman earned the first-ever gold medal for Israel, a New York-born track star did the same thing for the Dominican Republic.

Felix Sanchez, whose dominance in the 400-meter hurdles extends three years, cruised to his 43rd straight victory in the race last night, earning a gold medal for himself and one for the Dominican, which had never before earned a gold medal in any Olympic event.

Sanchez, who holds dual citizenship in the Dominican and the U.S., moved from New York to San Diego when his parents split up when he was 2 years old. He has competed under the Dominican flag since 1979.

“My father said it is already quite a party in the Dominican,” said Sanchez. “I can’t wait to go down there and see for myself.”

Sanchez was favored to win this race four years ago and didn’t; the night of the closing ceremony he was given a gaudy red bracelet with flashing lights which he has worn for luck. In the four years since, the only race he lost was when he failed to wear the bracelet. He vowed to never race without it again until he won gold.

Asked last night if he would stick to that vow, he said, “Yes,” and removed the bracelet and laid it on a table.