McLaughlin Breaks 400 Hurdles Mark on Historic Day at Trials

Sydney McLaughlin reacts after setting a new world record in the finals of the women's 400-meter hurdles at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Ore., on June 27, 2021. Ashley Landis/AP Photo

EUGENE, Ore.—Sydney McLaughlin looked to her left and saw the numbers “51.90.” Her first thought: “Oh my gosh!”

Now, at long last, the 400-meter hurdles world record belongs to her.