McLaughlin-Levrone shatters her own 400m hurdles world record

OREGON: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone broke the women’s 400 metres hurdles world record for the fifth time on Sunday, crossing the line in an astonishing 50.65 seconds at the U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon. This remarkable feat at Hayward Field saw the 24-year-old Olympic champion improve on her previous mark of 50.68 seconds, set two years ago at the same venue.

In a display of sheer dominance, McLaughlin-Levrone exploded out of the blocks and immediately took the lead, gliding over each hurdle with technical perfection. Her competitors, Anna Cockrell (52.64) and Jasmine Jones (52.77), were left to battle for second and third place as McLaughlin-Levrone powered through the final turn all alone.

After the race, McLaughlin-Levrone was in a state of disbelief at her own performance. “I’m just amazed, baffled, and in shock,” she said.

Despite having only competed in the 400 metres hurdles once this season before the trials, McLaughlin-Levrone showed no signs of rust. She jogged through the finish of her semi-final in a world-leading time, setting the stage for her record-breaking run in the final.

As the only woman ever to run faster than 51 seconds in this event, McLaughlin-Levrone now sets her sights on defending her Olympic title in Paris, aiming to become the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic 400 metres hurdles titles.(Reuters)