American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone obliterated her own 400 meters hurdles world record with a time of 50.37 seconds to retain her Olympic title on Thursday (August 8)
Anna Cockrell made it a U.S. 1-2 in a time of 51.87 and Dutchwoman Femke Bol, who had been expected to challenge for gold, faded in the last 50 meters to take bronze in 52.15.
It was the sixth time McLaughlin-Levrone had broken the world record, lowering her previous mark of 50.65 set at the U.S. trials in June.
The crowd at the Stade de France went into a frenzy when it became clear a new all-time best was within her reach and she fittingly rang the victory bell with a glittering tiara perched atop her head.
