Mighty McLaughlin Shatters 400 Meters Hurdles World Record

Sydney McLaughlin of the U.S. crosses the line to win the women's 400 meters hurdles final and set a world record on day eight of the World Athletics Championships Oregon22 at Hayward Field in Eugene, Ore., on July 22, 2022. Lucy Nicholson/Reuters

EUGENE, Ore.—American Sydney McLaughlin produced one of the greatest track performances of all time on Friday by shattering her own 400 meters hurdles world record to win World Championships gold.

The Olympic champion charged home in 50.68 seconds, slashing 0.73 off her previous mark of 51.41 set at the same springy Hayward Field last month and becoming the first woman to run under 51 seconds in the event.