Athletics-McLaughlin-Levrone steals the show on last night of US Olympic trials

01/07/2024

Jun 30, 2024; Eugene, OR, USA; Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone sets a new world record in the women’s 400 meter hurdles with a time of 50.65 at 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 for the fifth time on Sunday after crossing the line in 50.65 seconds at the U.S. Olympic trials in Eugene, Oregon.

The 24-year-old Olympic champion improved on her previous mark of 50.68 set two years ago at the same Hayward Field track and will travel to Paris to defend her title.

McLaughlin-Levrone was in a state of disbelief after posting such a quick time.

"I'm just amazed, baffled and in shock," she said.

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

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

Cockrell and Jones were left to battle for the last two spots on the podium as McLaughlin-Levrone was all on her own around the final turn.

She was nearly two seconds clear of the rest of the field as she crossed the finish to thunderous applause from the crowd at the heart of American track.

She told reporters she did not have a time goal in mind heading into the event, focusing instead on her execution and technique.

"It's just super encouraging just to see that ... without expecting it," she told reporters. "Knowing that there is more there."

McLaughlin-Levrone had only run in the event once this season before the U.S. trials but showed no signs of rust as she jogged through the finish of her semi-final in a world leading time.

The only woman ever to run faster than 51 seconds in the event, she will bid to become the first woman to win back-to-back Olympic 400 hurdles titles in Paris.

"I think we're in a great spot, I really do," said McLaughlin-Levrone. "(The Olympics are) coming up fast but I know that this is a big confidence boost and also going to help us know what we have to fix."

Dalilah Muhammad, the 2016 Rio champion, finished sixth in 54.27 and said she simply ran out of time to get herself in tip-top shape for the trials.

"It's been a really good career, longevity wise," the 2019 world champion said. "It's had its ups and its downs but I think looking back over it, as a whole, it's been nothing but positive."

Rai Benjamin won the men's race in a world leading 46.46, the fifth-fastest of all time, as he got off to a fast start and left CJ Allen (47.81) and Trevor Bassitt (47.82) to battle down the final stretch.

Masai Russell overcame an experienced field to win the 100 hurdles in 12.25, the fastest time of the season, as Alaysha Johnson finished six hundredths of a second slower and Grace Stark was third in 12.31.

"I have so many emotions," said Russell, who wrested the lead at the penultimate barrier. "I stayed true to my work and my craft."

Men's indoor 800 world champion Bryce Hoppel took off at the midway point to win in a meet record 1:42.77 ahead of Hobbs Kessler (1:43.64) and Brandon Miller (1:43.97).

Nikki Hiltz (3:55.33) accelerated through the home stretch to win the women's 1,500 in a U.S. trials record ahead of Emily Mackay (3:55.90). Elle St. Pierre, who won the 5,000 on Monday, was third in 3:55.99.

Maggie Malone Hardin will travel to her third Games after throwing 64.58 metres in the women's javelin, while 2022 world silver medallist Kara Winger took second with 62.94 on her last attempt and Madison Wiltrout (61.17) was third.

In the women's pole vault, Bridget Williams, Olympic champion Katie Moon and Brynn King will represent the U.S. in Paris after clearing 4.73 metres. Williams won the event on countback.

(Reporting by Amy Tennery in New York; Editing by Peter Rutherford)

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