Dalilah hurdles to world mark, Barshim soars

DOHA: Dalilah Muhammad of the United States stormed to a world record-breaking victory in the 400 metres hurdles as hosts Qatar celebrated a gold medal for high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim at the World Championships on Friday.

On a night of high drama played out before a rare packed house at the Khalifa Stadium, Muhammad broke the world record for the second time this year as she powered home to win in 52.16 seconds.

The 29-year-old Olympic champion took gold ahead of compatriot Sydney McLaughlin, while Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton took the bronze.

“I just wanted the world title so much but to break the world record again is fantastic,” Muhammad said after her victory, which improved her record of 52.20sec set in July.

“I just decided to go for it from the start,” Muhammad added. “I didn’t even know who won the race,” Muhammad said. “I was looking to see who won, and then I noticed, when they said ‘world record,’ that I had broken it.”

QATAR ROARS FOR BARSHIM

The biggest roar of Friday’s action was reserved for Qatari high jumper Barshim.

The 28-year-old had the home fans on their feet after a roller coaster competition which saw him clinch victory with a jump of 2.37m. Barshim’s win came after he had flirted with elimination at 2.33, before clearing the bar on his third and final attempt.

Two Russian athletes competing under the Authorised Neutral Athlete banner, Mikhail Akimenko and Ilya Ivanyuk won silver and bronze.

“For me, it was just a dream, amazing. I was not 100 per cent ready but when I came and saw all those people cheering for me, even if I was dying, if they take me in a wheelchair or ambulance, I would do everything I can,” said Barshim.