American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone solidified her status as the overwhelming favorite for the Olympic 400-meter hurdles title, comfortably winning her semifinal heat in 52.13 seconds. The Tokyo champion, known for her record-breaking performances, has already lowered the world record to 50.65 at the US trials and fans are eagerly anticipating a potential sixth world record in Thursday’s final.
McLaughlin-Levrone quickly took the lead in her heat, her only misstep being a slight stutter before the fourth hurdle. Home hope Louise Maraval received thunderous applause from the Parisian crowd as she secured second place in 53.83 seconds.
Femke Bol, the only other woman to have broken the 51-second barrier, slowed down before reaching the penultimate hurdle but still managed to finish first in her heat in 52.57 seconds. This comes just three days after she helped the Netherlands win gold in the mixed relay.
American Anna Cockrell finished second in her heat, overtaking Jamaican Shiann Salmon down the final straight, with times of 52.90 and 53.13 seconds respectively. Jamaican Rushell Clayton won her heat in 53.00 seconds, followed by American Jasmine Jones in 53.83 seconds.
The top two finishers in each of the three heats, along with the two fastest losers, will compete in Thursday’s final.
