Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Dominates 400m Hurdles Semi-Final

by Nicholas Edwards · 06/08/2024

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone easily wins her 400m hurdles semi-final at the Olympics, solidifying her favorite status. Fans anticipate a potential sixth world record in the final.

Paris, Bollywood Fever: American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone removed any remaining doubt about her dominance in the 400 meters hurdles as she effortlessly won her semi-final in 52.13 seconds on Tuesday. The reigning Tokyo champion, known for repeatedly breaking world records, most recently set a new mark of 50.65 at the U.S. trials. Fans are eager to see if she will set another all-time record in Thursday’s final.

McLaughlin-Levrone took the lead immediately, her only flaw being a minor stutter before the fourth hurdle. French competitor Louise Maraval, finishing second in 53.83 seconds, received wild applause from the Parisian crowd.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Dominates 400m Hurdles Semi-Final

Femke Bol, the only other woman to have broken the 51-second barrier, finished first in her heat with a time of 52.57 seconds. Bol, who recently secured gold for the Netherlands in the mixed relay, notably slowed down before the penultimate barrier.

American Anna Cockrell clocked 52.90 seconds, overtaking Jamaican Shiann Salmon, who finished in 53.13 seconds, to secure second place in her heat. Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton won her heat in 53.00 seconds, followed by American Jasmine Jones at 53.83 seconds.

The first two finishers in each of the three heats, along with the two fastest losers, advanced to the final, setting the stage for a highly anticipated showdown.