In the final of the US Olympic athletics trials on Sunday, Sydney McLaughlin set a new world record in the women’s 400m hurdles with a timing of 51.90 seconds. The 21-year-old, who qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, took the lead around the final curve and into the home stretch, powering home to smash Dalilah Muhammad’s previous best of 52.16.
McLaughlin and Muhammad, who have dominated the 400m hurdles in previous seasons, engaged in another epic clash. After a fantastic tactical battle against reigning Olympic and world champion Muhammad, the 21-year-old star became the first woman to break the 52-second barrier.
Sydney McLaughlin (@GoSydGo), just SMASHED the women’s world record in the 400m Hurdles. The first *ever* under 52 seconds! Simply amazing! pic.twitter.com/Y653NeQRFl
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) June 28, 2021
“This season, working with my new coach and just my new support system, it’s truly just faith and trusting the process and I couldn’t ask for anything more,” said McLaughlin who works with the same coach, Bob Kersee, Allyson Felix, a six-time Olympic gold medalist.
31-year-old Muhammad, whose pre-season was disrupted after contracting Covid-19 earlier this year finished second in 52.42 at Eugene, Oregon’s Hayward Field and will face McLaughlin in the upcoming Games.
“It’s simply been such a lengthy season,” Muhammad explained. “In Tokyo, there will undoubtedly be a battle.” Anna Cockrell, 23, qualified for the Games as well, placing third in 53.70 seconds.
