American Sydney McLaughlin has smashed her own 400m hurdles world record in Tokyo, claiming gold in a remarkable race.
Entering the race, this was seen as a likely duel between the 21-year old and Dalilah Muhammad. McLaughlin was the favourite having broken the world record back in June, but her compatriot had done the same in 2019 on her way to winning World Championship gold in Doha.
On that occasion, Muhammad had pipped McLaughlin at the line by 0.07 seconds. That result would be reversed in Japan.
Sydney McLaughlin Smashes 400m Hurdles Record
In a jaw dropping race, Sydney McLaughlin would come out in top in a new world record time of 51.46, shaving a sizeable margin off her previous mark of 51.90.
Remarkably, silver medallist Muhammad also bettered the previous world best time during the race.
You can watch the race in full below.
This is the second stunning 400m hurdles race at the Olympics in as many days, with Norway's Karsten Warholm putting in one of the all-time great athletics performances in the men's event yesterday.
Speaking after she claimed gold, McLaughlin said that keeping a cool head as she trailed late on was the key to victory.
I’m absolutely delighted. What a great race. I’m just grateful to be out here celebrating that extraordinary race and representing my country;
I saw Dalilah ahead of me with one to go. I just thought ‘run your race’.
The race doesn’t really start until hurdle seven. I just wanted to go out there and give it everything I had.
It’s just about trusting your training, trusting your coach, and that will get you all the way round the track.
I can’t really get it straight in my head yet. I’m sure I’ll process it and celebrate later.
At 21-years old, there is certainly plenty more to come from her in the coming years.
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