PARIS, France (June 9) – Marileidy Paulino, the world and Olympic silver medalist, stunningly overtook Sydney McLauhglin-Levrone in the final stretch to win the women’s 400m dash at the Paris Wanda Diamond League meeting held at the Stade Charlety on Friday (9).
Making her season debut in the French capital, McLauhglin-Levrone, who holds the world record in the 400m hurdles, started the race aggressively, covering the first 200m in an impressive 22.66 seconds. She continued to maintain her lead, reaching the 300m mark in 34.94 seconds. – Read more: NEWS BREAK: Faith Kipyegon smashes 5000m world record in Parish
However, fatigue began to set in for the world and Olympic 400m hurdles champion, allowing the rest of the field to close the gap.
Seizing the opportunity, Paulino surged past McLauhglin-Levrone, crossing the finish line with a time of 49.12 seconds, which not only secured her victory but also broke the meeting record of 49.15 seconds set by 2004 Olympic champion Tonique Williams-Darling from the Bahamas 19 years ago.
Despite her defeat, McLauhglin-Levrone achieved a personal best time of 49.71 seconds, breaking the 50-second barrier for the first time. Salwa Eid Naser, the 2019 world champion from Doha, also delivered a strong performance, finishing in third place with a time of 49.95 seconds.
“I am not surprised by this victory, the time, or even breaking the meeting record,” confidently stated Paulino. “I am very well prepared, and my race went exceptionally well. I felt great throughout.”
However, she acknowledged, “I had a somewhat difficult start, but I managed to regain my rhythm in the second half of the race, especially towards the end. I had excellent preparation.”
Anna Hall, the American heptathlon bronze medalist at the 2022 world championships, achieved a personal best time of 50.82 seconds, securing seventh place.
Women’s 400m at Paris Diamond League
- Marileidy Paulino (DOM) – 49.12 secs (MR)
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) – 49.71 secs (PB)
- Salwa Eid Naser (BRN) – 49.95 secs
- Natalia Kaczmarek (POL) – 50.1 secs
- Lieke Klaver (NED) – 50.32 secs (SB)
- Candice McLeod (JAM) – 50.80 secs (SB)
- Anna Hall (USA) – 50.82 secs (PB)
- Ama Pipi (GBR) – 51.76 secs