Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Shatters 400m Hurdles World Record, Books Paris Olympics Berth

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning Olympic champion, shattered her own 400m hurdles world record at the US trials in Eugene, Oregon, on Sunday. Her astonishing time of 50.65sec, bettering her previous best of 50.68, secured her place at the Paris Olympics in sensational style.

McLaughlin-Levrone's victory was a testament to her dominance in the event. She surged ahead of her rivals from the start, producing a devastating burst of speed down the stretch to finish well ahead of Anna Cockrell (52.64sec) and Jasmine Jones (52.77sec).

"Honestly, praise God," McLaughlin-Levrone said after her jaw-dropping performance. "I was not expecting that, but he can do anything -- anything's possible in Christ. I'm just amazed, baffled, and shocked."

The 24-year-old's victory marks her third Olympic appearance, following her participation in the 2016 Rio Games and the pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games. Based on her performance in Eugene, McLaughlin-Levrone is poised to add to her collection of major championship victories, having won gold medals in Tokyo and at the world championships two years ago.

In the men's 400m hurdles, Tokyo Olympic silver medalist Rai Benjamin sealed his place in Paris with a commanding victory in a world-leading 46.47sec. Benjamin's early lead and blistering pace proved too much for his rivals, as he crossed the finish line approximately 10m ahead of C.J. Allen (47.81sec) and Trevor Bassitt (47.82sec).

The 26-year-old Benjamin is eager to challenge Norwegian hurdling king Karsten Warholm, the reigning Olympic and world champion.

In the women's 100m hurdles, Masai Russell produced the race of her life to book her ticket to Paris, winning in a world-leading 12.25sec. Russell's victory was a culmination of hard work and perseverance, as she overcame doubts and criticism to achieve her goal.

"I can't even talk right now, I've got so many emotions because this has been the hardest season of my life," the 24-year-old Russell said after her victory. "People were doubting me, saying all these things about me. But I just stayed true to myself, stayed true to my work and my craft."

However, there was disappointment for two veterans of US sprint hurdling. 2019 world champion Nia Ali missed out after finishing fourth, while Keni Harrison, the 2020 Olympic silver medalist, finished sixth.

In other events, two-time Olympic champion Christian Taylor failed to qualify in the triple jump, while Will Claye, silver medalist behind Taylor in 2012 and 2016, also failed to make the cut. Salif Mane won the event with a leap of 17.52m, followed by Russell Robinson and Donald Scott.

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