McLaughlin sets world mark in 400 hurdles
TOKYO — There was no celebratory scream when Sydney Mclaughlin crossed the finish line Wednesday. She didn't throw her hands In the air or dou-ble over on the track. There were no tears. No boasting. No dancing. And only a quick glimpse of a smile *Too many emotions, that you have no emotions: she said later. She appeared calm and subdued even after the crowning moment of her career - victory In one of the fastest 400-meter hurdles races in Olympic history, and the second in as many days. The 21-year-old New Jersey product broke her own compatriot Dalllah Muhammad — the reigning world champion and Olympic gold medalist — after both women cleared the 10th and final hurdle. McLaughlin crossed the finish line in 51.46 seconds, setting a bar that every-one else will now try to clear. Muham-mad. 31. also broke the previous world record. And Femke Bol of the Netherlands. who took bronze. finished lust on away. It was an epic race. eerily similar to the men's 400-meter hurdles event that took place the previous day 'It's not one of the hot events that people usually want to watch a whole lot: McLaughlin said of the 400 hur-dles. 'But were definitely made It something very Interesting: For so long. McLaughlin has been viewed In the world of track and field as a prodigy. Her accomplishments have been viewed within the context of her age. AS a freshman at Linton Catholic High School In New Jersey, she broke a state record In the first race she ran. ac-cording to her high school coach. Mike McCabe. She qualified for the 2016 RIO Olympics when she was just 16. Even though she didn't make It to the Pool, McLaughlin became a track ce-lebrity upon her return. She appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated in 2017. We would bring an extra coach to make sure that, when we went to In-door meets and stuff, we could keep people away from her If we needed to," he said. After a stint at the University of Ken-tucky. McLaughlin turned pro and found herself continuing to climb the ranks. but often finishing second to Muhammad. They have long been not Just the two fastest women In the 400-meter hurdles field, but also the two fastest in the history of the event. Then, last summer, McLaughlin de-cided that It was time for a change. She started training with a new coach, Bob-by Kersee. and alongside Allyson Felix, one of the most decorated track and field athletes in Olympic history. Kersee altered her approach and refined her technique. All of what transpired Wednesday had long been expected of her: The Olympic gold medal, the world record, all of it years In the making, finally fall