McLaughlin smashes world record to win Women's 400m hurdles

On Aug 4, 2021

TOKYO, August 4 – American Sydney McLaughlin set a new world record in the Women’s 400m hurdles final with a scintillating performance at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games today.

McLaughlin, the new Olympic Gold Medallist, broke her own world record timing of 51.90 seconds.

She went like a dazzling horse passing compatriot Dalilah Muhammad down the home straight to win the Olympic Gold Medal in 51.46s. Muhammad, the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic champion, had to settle for the Silver Medal, clocking less than 52s in a time that also broke the former world record of 51.58s.

Femke Bol of the Netherlands established a new European record timing of 52.03s to take the Bronze.

McLaughlin came to Tokyo as favourite, having crushed Muhammad’s world record at the US track and field trials in June. But Muhammad was the reigning Olympic Gold Medallist and an athlete she has swapped first position with in multiple races over the past few years.

Muhammad exploded out of the blocks as the firing went off, gaining a cracking lead over the first 200m. But McLaughlin magic began after the halfway mark as the 21-year-old, who began the race in lane four with Netherlands’ dynamo Femke Bol just outside her in fifth, found an extra super power to draw level with Muhammad as the race came down to the last quarter of the race.

Muhammad began to tire in the last 100m while McLaughlin advanced forward over the last 50m to win in grand fashion with a new world record.

“I’m absolutely delighted. What a great race and I am just grateful to be out here celebrating that extraordinary race and representing my country. It’s just about trusting your training, trusting your coach, and that will get you all the way round the track,” she said after a dramatic race.

Muhammad was ecstatic with her own performance, even as she swaps Gold for Silver here. “Every question is going to be, ‘am I happy or am I unhappy with Silver? But that’s not how I feel at all. I’ve had an amazing year and to finish with 51.5s, shattering my personal best, is absolutely amazing,” the Silver Medallist said.

“All three of our times would have won any Olympics, any other year, just like the Men’s race. I’m so proud to be part of that history and even more proud of my teammate Sydney. I’m just happy it’s a one-two final for the USA, and today I’m happy with second,” she added.