Athletics-McLaughlin-Levrone breaks 400m hurdles world record

Jun 29, 2024; Eugene, OR, USA; Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone wins her heat in the 400 meter hurdle semifinals during the US Olympic Track and Field Team Trials. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone broke the women's 400 metres hurdles world record in 50.65 seconds at the U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Olympic champion bested her own mark of 50.68 seconds set two years ago at the same Hayward Field track.

Jun 29, 2024; Eugene, OR, USA; Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone prepares for her heat in the 400 meter hurdle semifinals during the US Olympic Track and Field Team Trials. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports

"Honestly praise God," she said in televised remarks. "I'm just amazed, baffled and in shock."

McLaughlin-Levrone exploded out of the blocks and took the lead immediately, soaring over each hurdle in a technically flawless performance.

She was several metres clear of the rest of the field as she crossed the finish to thunderous applause from the crowd in the heart of American track, smiling in a subdued celebration as she punched her ticket to Paris.

Jun 29, 2024; Eugene, OR, USA; Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone wins women's 400m hurdles heat in 52.48 during the US Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Anna Cockrell (52.64) was second while Jasmine Jones (52.77) took third.

(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)