American track and field star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone dominated the 400-meter hurdles final at the 2024 Paris Olympics on Thursday, claiming her second consecutive gold medal and shattering her own world record in the process, CBS News reports.
McLaughlin-Levrone crossed the finish line in an astonishing 50.37 seconds, eclipsing her previous world record of 50.65 seconds set in June at the U.S. Olympic trials. This marks the sixth time she has broken the world record in this event.
The race saw McLaughlin-Levrone go head-to-head with reigning world champion Femke Bol of the Netherlands, marking only their third meeting in a highly anticipated duel between this generation’s top female hurdlers.
McLaughlin-Levrone, who has consistently broken world records, faced stiff competition from Bol, who had already secured gold in the 4×400-meter mixed relay in Paris. Bol ultimately took bronze, while American Anna Cockrell secured the silver in an upset.
McLaughlin-Levrone holds a 2-0 record against Bol, having defeated her at the Tokyo Olympics in 2020 and again at the 2022 world championships.
“Iron sharpens iron,” McLaughlin-Levrone said after winning her semifinal heat on Tuesday. “It’s always fun racing the best, and I know we’re going to push each other.”
McLaughlin-Levrone’s latest world-record-breaking performance solidifies her position as the dominant force in the 400-meter hurdles, adding another chapter to her already legendary career.
