SAINT-DENIS, France — Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone displayed her dominance once again in the women’s 400-meter hurdles Thursday.
McLaughlin-Levrone won her second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles, posting another world record time at 50.37. It’s the sixth time she’s lowered her own world record. McLaughlin-Levrone is the only woman to win the event in consecutive Olympic Games.
‘It’s a blessing. Just grateful for another opportunity, grateful to be healthy and to come out of it in one piece. There was a lot of anticipation leading up to this race,’ McLaughlin-Levrone said. ‘Just grateful for all that has been taking place. God has been good to me.’
Anna Cockrell came in second with a personal-best time of 51.87. Netherlands’ Femke Bol came in third, running a 52.15. in what was a much-anticipated race.
‘I think this is a real renaissance moment for the 400-meter hurdles,’ Cockrell said. ‘We have so many people running so fast from Sydney, to Dalilah (Muhammad), to myself and Femke (Bol). It’s a great time for this event. I’m exciting that people are paying attention to it and I’m proud to be in the moment.’
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The women’s 400 hurdles final was billed as a showdown between Bol and McLaughlin-Levrone. They are the only two women to run sub-51 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles. But McLaughlin-Levrone proved to be the superior runner. She had total command of the race after 200 meters.
‘Sydney really pushed the bar. She was running 50 (seconds) when I was still running 52 (seconds). I think it opened your eyes that there was still so much more possible,’ Bol said. ‘Once again today she proved on the moment when it counts most at the Olympic finals that she can perform so well. …It’s really amazing to be part of this.’
McLaughlin-Levrone graciously gave Bol credit for being among the athletes who have helped push her. Although it was McLaughlin-Levrone who was running by herself and against the clock Thursday evening. McLaughlin-Levrone said following the event that she believes breaking 50 seconds is a possibility.
‘We’ve taken it so far. I have to credit these ladies next to me for helping do that. This is an event that wasn’t very popular, but we made it very popular very quickly. I do think 49 (seconds) is possible. I do think the talent sitting in front of you can do that,’ McLaughlin-Levrone said. ‘I think we push each other to do that and get better and improve and find ways to lower these times that we for so long thought were impossible. I don’t know when it’s possible but I do think it’s out there.’
McLaughlin-Levrone’s victory adds to her already impressive résumé. The world-record holder’s collected three total Olympic gold medals and three world championship golds.
McLaughlin-Levrone has a chance to win her second gold medal of the Paris Olympics when she takes part in the women’s 4×400 relay.
What’s next for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in 400 hurdles?
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s accomplished everything an athlete can ask for in the 400 hurdles. She literally owns the 400 hurdles world record (breaking it six times) and she earned her second Olympic gold medal in the event.
McLaughlin-Levrone flirted with the open 400 this year. Her personal-best time of 48.74 in the 400 could win gold at the Olympics. When asked if she’ll switch to the 400 in the future she told reporters she doesn’t know.
‘I don’t know if I can give a definitive yes or no,’ McLaughlin-Levrone said. ‘I do love doing other events. There are other events that I haven’t done since high school that I’d also love to do. I don’t know.’
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