Sydney McLaughlin brought an emotional high point to the World Championships in Athletics in Eugene. The acclaimed American flew over 400 meters hurdles in 50.68 seconds to a sensational world record. It was only in June that the only 22-year-old – also at Hayward Field – pushed the record to 51.41.
“It’s unreal. All the glory goes to God. I’m really grateful that my team helped me get to this point,” said McLaughlin, ahead of Dutch Femke Bol (52.27) and her compatriot Dalilah Muhammad ( 53.13) had prevailed. The whole family has never been together in a competition before, so it’s all so big for her. “After Tokyo, when nobody was there, it’s like a salvation.”
McLaughlin has broken the 52-second mark five times. Five of the six fastest times ever run over the 400 m hurdles can be attributed to the 2021 Olympic champion. “I have to ask my coach about the next goal, he’s in charge,” shrugged the exceptional athlete – when asked about her sporting future the shoulders. Looking at their bank balance might be an incentive.
World Cup gold is worth 70,000 US dollars, the world record flushes 100,000 into the coffers, the sponsorship money will be many times that for the lady, who is often met with a serious expression. McLaughlin’s eyes definitely lit up with the World Cup mascot holding a banner in front of her after the finish line that read “World Records Are My Favorite Food”.
“I am always happy”
“I don’t smile until the work is done, until the last race is over. I stayed focused, stayed with myself. I’m always happy, always grateful to be here. But sometimes you have to put your poker face on. That’s all “, explained the triumphant.
A side note: With her world record time, McLaughlin would have landed in seventh place a few minutes earlier in the World Championship final over 400 m flat – i.e. without hurdles. Double Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo from the Bahamas won gold here.
The USA won the women’s 4 x 100 m relay race ahead of favorites Jamaica and Germany with Alexandra Burghardt, who had already won Olympic silver this year as a bobsleigh brakewoman.
Source: Nachrichten
