Thrilling Wins at World Athletics Championships: McLaughlin-Levrone Shatters 41-Year Record
Tokyo got electric on Thursday at the World Athletics Championships as stars lit up the track and field. American sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone stole the show by smashing a record that’s stood for over four decades in the women’s 400m final.
The 26-year-old, already a two-time Olympic gold medalist in the 400m hurdles, switched to the flat 400m and didn’t disappoint. She crossed the line in a blistering 47.78 seconds, beating the old mark of 47.99 set by Czechoslovakia’s Jarmila Kratochvilova back in 1983. That’s right—this women’s 400m world record rewrite has fans buzzing about her unstoppable speed.
"I knew people doubted my move from hurdles to the flat 400m, but I trusted my training," McLaughlin-Levrone said with a grin. She even hinted at big plans: "We need to chat about the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics schedule. Maybe I’ll tackle both events!"
Hot on her heels, Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino grabbed silver with a national record of 47.98 seconds. Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser, a former world champ, snagged bronze in 48.19 seconds—her best time this season.
Over in the men’s 400m final, Botswana made history with a stunning one-two punch. Young gun Collen Kebinatshipi, just 21, powered to gold in a world-leading 43.53 seconds. This marks his first individual world title, building on his silver in the 4x400m relay at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards chased hard for silver in 43.72 seconds, smashing his own national record. Teammate Bayapo Ndori from Botswana rounded out the podium with bronze in a season-best 44.20 seconds—proving Africa’s rising stars in athletics are here to stay.
"This is my first title, and it feels insane," Kebinatshipi beamed. "Seeing three Botswanans in this final shows we’re growing strong—not just as a nation, but for all of Africa."
The excitement didn’t stop there. In the women’s triple jump final, Cuba’s Leyanis Pérez Hernández pulled off an upset, dethroning four-time world champion and Olympic queen Yulimar Rojas of Venezuela. The 23-year-old leaped 14.94 meters on her third try to claim gold and lead the world this year.
Dominica’s Thea LaFond jumped 14.89 meters for silver, etching her name in history as her country’s first-ever medal in triple jump. Rojas fought back but took bronze with 14.76 meters.
These World Athletics Championships highlights showcase raw talent and breakthrough moments—keep an eye on these athletes as they gear up for more global showdowns!
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