For the second day in a row, a world record was set in the 400m hurdles. This time, Sydney McLaughlin smashed her own record in the women’s final.
USA’s McLaughlin edged compatriot and world champion Dalilah Muhammad in a thrilling race, with both beating the previous world record.
After the final bend, Muhammad and McLaughlin were left in a three-way tussle with Femke Bol of the Netherlands, all in pursuit of a world record and Olympic gold.
But with 25 metres to go, 21-year-old McLaughlin surged beyond her rival and recorded a 51.46 to claim gold, smashing her own world record by 0.44sec.
Muhammad also ran what would have been a world record time on its own, securing silver with 51.58. Bol landed bronze in 52.03.
The stunning run meant for the second day in a row, the top-two finishers in the Olympic 400m hurdles final had both surpassed the world record after Karsten Warholm of Norway edged out USA’s Rai Benjamin.
‘I saw Dalilah ahead of me with one to go,’ said McLaughlin. ‘I just thought “run your race”. The race doesn’t really start till hurdle seven. I just wanted to go out there and give it everything I had. I’m absolutely delighted.
‘I can’t really get it straight in my head yet. I’m sure I’ll process it and celebrate later.
‘It’s just about trusting your training, trusting your coach, and that will get you all the way round the track.
‘What a great race. I’m just grateful to be out here celebrating that extraordinary race and representing my country.’
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