SAINT-DENIS, France – Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone continued to demonstrate her dominance in the women’s 400-meter hurdles on Thursday.
McLaughlin-Levrone won her second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles, setting another world record of 50.37 seconds. It is the sixth time she has beaten her own world record. McLaughlin-Levrone is the only woman to have won the event at consecutive Olympic Games.
“It’s a blessing. I’m just grateful for another chance, grateful to be healthy and to come out of it safe. The anticipation for this race has been great,” said McLaughlin-Levrone. “I’m just grateful for everything that’s happened. God has been good to me.”
Anna Cockrell finished second with a personal best time of 51.87 seconds. Dutchwoman Femke Bol finished third with a time of 52.15 seconds.
Bol entered the race as McLaughlin-Levrone’s main rival. McLaughlin-Levrone and Bol are the only two women to run under 51 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles. But McLaughlin-Levrone proved to be the superior runner in the 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 (McLaughlin-Levrone) to Dalilah (Muhammad) to myself and Femke (Bol). It’s a great time for this event. I’m glad people are paying attention and I’m proud to be a part of it.”
McLaughlin-Levrone’s win adds to her already impressive resume.
McLaughlin-Levrone has a chance to win her second gold medal at the Paris Olympics when she competes in the women’s 4×400 relay.
Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X @TheTylerDragon.
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