Dalilah Muhammad Wins Historic 400M Hurdles at World Championship
In the world of track and field, the 400m hurdles is an event that may be often overlooked. It doesn't boast radiant athletes like Usain Bolt or Noah Lyles – stars whose success and character attract fans and media like magnets. However, for those who do follow the event, the outcome at this year's world championships in Doha was nothing short of exciting and memorable, particularly for the women; its historic finals resulted in record-breaking times and the birth of a new, groundbreaking rivalry.
The gold medal in this event was won by the United States' own Dalilah Muhammad, with a world-record time of 52.16 seconds. This was 0.04 seconds lower than the previous record, set by none other than Muhammad herself back in late July, during the US Nationals; she broke the world record for the second time this year.
Coming in at silver was the up-and-coming US star Sydney McLaughlin. Despite only recently turning 20, she has already established herself amongst the top-tier female hurdlers. She had competed in the 2016 Olympics in Rio and hold the world junior record for the 400m hurdles. This was not her first time witnessing Muhammad's record-breaking performance first-hand; she also placed 2nd at the US Nationals in this event. However, Sydney was much closer to her in this week's race, running a 52.23; this cements her as the second fastest woman in history for this event.
Jamaica's Rushell Clayton won bronze, running approximately 1.5 seconds behind the two US sprinters.
Dalilah also won a second gold metal in Doha as part of the US Women's 1600 meter relay team of Dalilah Muhammad, Sydney Mclaughlin, Phyllis Francis and Wadeline Jonathas.
