The women’s 400 meter hurdles has been one of the most hyped events ahead of the Olympics.
The class on the branch has been superb during the year, with fine times from both the Dutch Femke Bol and the USA’s Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
Second world record in a short time
In other words, expectations for tonight’s Olympic final at the Stade de France in Paris were sky high.
But there wasn’t much of a duel to speak of. During the latter part of the race, the American, who on June 30 broke the latest world record when she ran 50.65, was completely superior.
Fair polishing of the record
When she crossed the finish line, it was 50 hundredths ahead of the next runner – who was not Bol, but McLaughlin-Levrone’s compatriot Anna Cockrell.
The time? 50.37 – beating her previous world record by a whopping 28 hundredths. It was the sixth time the 25-year-old set a world record in the 400 meter hurdles.
– I knew this was possible. I knew it would probably take a world record to win this race, McLaughlin said, according to the AP news agency.
Bol: “Really don’t understand”
Bol was good until the race, but lost quite a lot of power there and finished in 52.15.
– I really don’t understand it, said a teary-eyed Bol to Dutch Nos afterwards.
– I’m in such good shape and feel strong, but after 250 meters it just doesn’t work anymore.
