Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone made history once again by breaking the 400-meter hurdles world record for the fifth time at the US Olympic Trials. Clocking an impressive 50.65 seconds, she shaved off 0.03 seconds from her previous record set at Eugene’s Hayward Field two years ago. This remarkable performance secured her a spot on the US team for the upcoming Paris Olympics.
Racing in lane five, McLaughlin-Levrone dominated the competition, taking the lead by the 250-meter mark and extending her advantage as she sprinted down the home straight. She crossed the finish line almost two seconds ahead of the second-place finisher, Anna Cockrell, displaying a mix of astonishment and elation at her achievement.
Reflecting on her record-breaking run, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed her surprise at the time and her determination to continue improving. Despite limited race experience in the 400m hurdles this year, she breezed through the heats leading up to the final, solidifying her status as a standout athlete on the US team.
Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone aims to defend her title from three years ago, with strong competition expected from Dutch athlete Femke Bol. Cockrell and Jasmine Jones also secured their spots on the US team for Paris with personal-best times at the trials.
McLaughlin-Levrone's ambition doesn't stop at her current record; she aspires to break the 50-second barrier in the future, emphasizing her commitment to continuous improvement and strategic race execution. With seven of the top 10 fastest times in history and four world records set at Hayward Field, McLaughlin-Levrone has solidified her status as a dominant force in the 400m hurdles.
In the men's event, Rai Benjamin set a trials record of 46.46 seconds, aiming to upgrade his silver medal from the Tokyo Olympics. CJ Allen and Trevor Bassitt also secured spots on the US team with strong performances, setting the stage for an exciting competition in Paris.
