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EUGENE, Ore. — In a breathtaking display of talent at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials finale on Sunday, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone shattered her own world record in the women’s 400-meter hurdles. Competing at Hayward Field, she triumphed with a record time of 50.65 seconds, visibly astounded by her achievement.
This historic performance surpassed her previous world record of 50.68 seconds, set at the same venue during the 2022 World Championships.
In an expression of humble surprise, McLaughlin-Levrone attributed her success to divine support in her post-race interview. “Honestly, praise God, I was not expecting that.
Anything is possible in Christ. I’m just amazed, baffled and in shock,” she said.
Behind her, Anna Cockrell and Jasmine Jones finished with times of 52.64 and 52.77 seconds, respectively, securing their places alongside McLaughlin-Levrone for the competition in Paris.
Dalilah Muhammad, an accomplished athlete with gold from Rio and silver from Tokyo to her name, finished in sixth place.
McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning Olympic champion in her event, is known for consistently breaking records, underlining her status not just as a favorite for the gold in Paris but as a dominant force expected to win decisively.
Despite her track record, McLaughlin-Levrone admitted each new victory and world record still comes as a genuine surprise to her, crediting her performance to diligent preparation and a focus on improvement. She mentioned her hopes of breaking the sub-50 second barrier, a goal that seems within reach given her trajectory.
The world record has boosted her confidence as she looks ahead to Paris, supported by words of encouragement from her coach, Bobby Kersee. His guidance, likening the hurdles to boxing punches akin to those of Joe Frazier, helped her focus without putting pressure on achieving a specific time.
McLaughlin-Levrone also hinted at potential participation in the 4×400 relay team, recalling her pivotal role in the relay at the Tokyo Games.
While she has showcased talent across sprinting events, McLaughlin-Levrone has chosen to concentrate on the 400 hurdles, a decision that continues to pay off as she consistently pushes the boundaries of her performance.
With an eye on continuous improvement and making history, McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey remains one of the most captivating narratives in athletics today.
*Contributed by Tyler Dragon.*