Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone sets new 400m hurdles world record of 50.65, claiming win at U.S. Olympic Team Trials – track & field

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has set another world record – even before she’s arrived at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

The reigning Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone soared to a 50.65 on Sunday (30 June) the U.S. Olympic Team Trials – track & field at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, flying to the title – and booking her spot in Paris while doing so.

McLaughlin-Levrone broke her own world record of 50.68, which was set on this very same track at the World Championships two years ago. That easily puts the American star ahead of Dutch rival Femke Bol’s 52.49 at the European Championships earlier in June.

McLaughlin-Levrone led from the first hurdle and then never looked back as Hayward Field roared around her, a fitting final and thrilling event for the 10-day championships.

“I’m definitely a little surprised it happened, but I’m still grateful,” McLaughlin-Levrone told a group of reporters after. “I knew I was in 50.5 range, [but] it was just a matter of getting that stride pattern…

“I wasn’t expecting that time,” she added. “It’s super encouraging, knowing that more is there.”

Anna Cockrell (52.64) and Jasmine Jones (52.77) finished second and third, respectively. They’ll join McLaughlin-Levrone in Paris.*

Rio 2016 champion Dalilah Muhammad finished sixth in what she said would be her final U.S. Trials.

Added McLaughlin-Levrone: “I’m always chipping away and seeing what’s possible. I have so many different ways to run [this race], and I feel like every time I’m on the track, I’m like, ‘OK what’s the best way to attack?'”

You can see a full list of results here. The record is subject to World Athletics’ usual ratification procedures.

*As National Olympic Committees have the exclusive authority for the representation of their respective countries at the Olympic Games, athletes’ participation at the Paris Games depends on their NOC selecting them to represent their delegation at Paris 2024.