Sydney McLaughlin breaks 400m hurdles world record at US Olympic trials

Sydney McLaughlin smashed a world record at the US Olympic trials to set up an intriguing grudge match at the Tokyo Olympics.

American Sydney McLaughlin has become the first woman to run the 400m hurdles in under 52 seconds.

The 21-year-old achieved the feat the US Olympic track and field trials.

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McLaughlin completed the race in 51.90 seconds, surpassing reigning Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad’s previous mark of 52.16.

McLaughlin and Muhammad finished first and second respectively at the US trials, meaning the pair are set to have a mouth-watering rematch at the Tokyo Olympics.
“Truly just faith and trusting the process,” McLaughlin said after the race to explain how she broke the world record.

“It’s one of those moments that you dream about and think about and play in your head.

“It was the final ‘I did it’ moment and I’m going to cherish it for the rest of my life.”

McLaughlin made her Olympic debut in Rio in 2016, where she made the semi-finals as a 17-year-old.

She has been steadily improving since then and came second behind Muhammad at the 2019 world track and field championships.

“It’s just two great athletes pushing each other to be better,” McLaughlin said of her rivalry with Muhammad.

“There’s no animosity, no hard feelings, just two people trying to be their best.

“We wouldn’t be able to have these world records going back and forth without one another.”

Sydney McLaughlin (right) and Dalilah Muhammad will go head to head in Tokyo after the American pair both qualified for the 400m hurdles. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Muhammad was happy with her time and is hoping to peak in Tokyo.

“To get a 52 feels pretty good,” she said.

“She definitely pushes me,” Muhammad said of her friendly competition with McLaughlin.

“Congratulations, you world record holder,” Muhammad told her compatriot.

“It’s going to be a battle in Tokyo for sure.”

With AFP

Originally published as Sydney McLaughlin breaks 400m hurdles world record at US Olympic trials