McLaughlin-Levrone sets 400m hurdles world record to seal Olympic berth

EUGENE - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone smashed her own 400m hurdles world record on Sunday to book her place at the Paris Olympics in sensational style at the US trials in Eugene, Oregon.

McLaughlin-Levrone obliterated her rivals to power home in an astonishing 50.65sec, bettering her previous best of 50.68, also set at Hayward Field, during the 2022 World Championships.

McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning Olympic champion, was out of the blocks quickly and then produced a devastating burst of speed down the stretch to finish ahead of Anna Cockrell (52.64sec) and Jasmine Jones (52.77sec).

"Honestly, praise god," McLaughlin-Levrone said after her jaw-dropping performance. 

"I was not expecting that, but he can do anything -- anything's possible in Christ. I'm just amazed, baffled and shocked."

The 24-year-old's victory sees her safely through to her third Olympic Games after appearances at the 2016 Rio Games and pandemic-delayed Tokyo Games.

On Sunday's evidence, McLaughlin-Levrone will once again be the overwhelming favourite to add to her collection of major championship victories following gold medals in Tokyo three years ago and world championships two years ago.