Paris 2024: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone smashes world record to ...

American sensation Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone retained her women’s 400m hurdles title in spectacular fashion by smashing her own world record at Paris 2024.

Thursday’s final at Stade de France had been billed as a showdown between McLaughlin-Levrone and world champion Femke Bol, of the Netherlands. But the Dutchwoman was no match for McLaughlin-Levrone, who clocked 50.37 to finish clear of her rivals.

Bol - who already has a gold medal in the French capital after leading her nation to victory in the 4x400m relay final - had to settle for bronze with a time of 52.15, behind McLaughlin-Levrone’s team-mate Anna Cockrell (51.87).

There had not been much to separate McLaughlin-Levrone and Bol in the opening half of the race, but the former took command on the final bend and in the end her triumph was emphatic.

Bol, on the other hand, had begun to falter and could not keep up with Cockrell, who set the fourth-fastest time in history.

Having set a new European record of 50.95 just last month, Bol will be the first to admit it was a disappointing performance, and she could not stop the tears from flowing at the finishing line.

McLaughlin-Levrone, who has now set the last six world records, is expected to take part in the women’s 4x400 relay where she could land a third Olympic gold medal.

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