(Eugene) Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone continued her efforts to become the queen of the 400m on Saturday by winning the American track and field trials in Eugene (Oregon) in 48 sec 74/100e, the best performance in the world of the season .
The 23-year-old American, reigning world champion and world record holder in the 400m hurdles, focused on the flat distance, with the aim of beating that of the German (ex-GDR) Marita Koch (4760 in 1985).
“The greats always outdo themselves, and I want to be one of them,” McLaughlin-Levrone said of her decision to step out of her comfort zone.
His personal best came to replace the previous world best performance of the season of 48 sec 98/100th set by Marileidy Paulino on May 27 and offered McLaughlin-Levrone two potential places for the Worlds in Budapest in August, with a pass for hurdles as defending champion.
She set off to win easily ahead of Britton Wilson, second in 49 sec 79/100th, Talitha Diggs completing the podium in 49 sec 93/100th.