Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone runs fastest 400M in 40 years for world gold
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone blazed over a wet track for the fastest 400-meter race for a woman since 1985 on Thursday en route to a world championship gold medal.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the USA celebrates after winning the women's 400-meter final and setting a new championship record at the World Athletics Championships on Thursday in Tokyo. Photo by Mast Ihram/EPA UPI
Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone galloped over a soaked track for the fastest 400-meter race for a woman since 1985 on Thursday en route to a record-setting world title.
"I'm just grateful," McLaughlin-Levrone said at the World Athletics Championships at Japan National Stadium in Tokyo. "You know it's there and you know you put the work in. To see it come to fruition, it's always a bit of disbelief."
McLaughlin-Levrone, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, clocked a 47.78 in the event, edging Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, who logged a national-record 47.98, the third-fasted time in history.
Marita Koch of East Germany set the 400-meter record with a 47.60 at a World Cup meet Oct. 6, 1985, in Canberra, Australia.
Bahraini sprinter Salwa Eid Naser, who recorded the fifth-best time (48.14) in history in 2019, finished behind McLaughlin-Levrone and Paulino on Thursday with a time of 48.19.
"I knew it was going to be a fast race, great competition," said McLaughlin-Levrone, who owns the world record and two Olympic gold medals in the 400-meter hurdles. "Just to see it all come together there is always a bit of awe and wonder."
Rain poured onto the track as 50,000 fans watched McLaughlin-Levrone prepare for her first global final in the event.
Paulino, the favorite and 2024 Olympic gold medalist in the event, held the early edge on the outside out of Lane 9. McLaughlin moved into the lead pack from Lane 5 with 150 meters remaining.
She drew even with Paulino on the final turn before gaining a step and holding her off at the finish line for World Championships and American-record time.
"It definitely helps having someone pushing you," said McLaughlin-Levrone, who previously set an American record in the event with a 48.29 in the semifinals.
Day 7 of the event will feature finals for the men's triple jump, men's 400-meter hurdles, women's 400-meter hurdles, men's 200-meter and women's 200-meter events Friday in Tokyo.
Coverage will air from 7 to 9:30 a.m. EDT on USA and from 5:20 to 9:15 a.m. on Peacock.
