The American Sydney McLaughlin has once again improved her world record in the 400 meter hurdles. According to the World Federation, the 22-year-old track and field athlete won the US Championships in Eugene in 51.41 seconds.
The Olympic champion thus increased her own record from the Tokyo Games last year. Back then, McLaughlin had won the gold medal in 51.46 seconds, beating her previous record for the first time.
Three weeks before the World Championships at the same place, McLaughlin is still hoping for a further improvement. “I think there’s a little more in the tank and we can empty it completely when the time comes,” said McLaughlin, who announced to celebrate the day: “I’m going to eat something real besides vegetables. A cheeseburger or something, some pancakes.” World champion Dalilah Muhammad did not compete because she was slightly injured, but as the defending champion she is automatically qualified for the World Championships from July 15th to 24th.
Old champion Allyson Felix was sixth over 400 meters in 51.24 seconds and thus kept the chance of a World Championship participation in one of the relays. It would be the tenth world championships for the 36-year-old, who has already won 13 world titles and will end her great career. Winner Talitha Diggs ran 50.22 seconds, in the men’s Michael Norman won the world title over the stadium circuit with a world best time of 43.56 seconds.
