Dalilah Muhammad of the US poses next to the screen reading the new world record in the women’s 400m hurdles final at the 2019 IAAF Athletics World Championships at the Khalifa International stadium in Doha, yesterday. Pictures: Abdul Basit / The Peninsul
Doha: Dalilah Muhammad vowed to break our own world record in Doha, and the American lived up to her promise yesterday.
She clocked a magical 52.16, taking 0.04 from her own mark to win the women’s 400m hurdles gold medal, leaving spectators at the packed Khalifa International Stadium thrilled.
Sydney McLaughlin, as expected gave tough time to her American team-mate and was the second fastest with a time of 52.23, with Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton taking bronze with a time of 53.74.
“This means so much. It is difficult to describe. I just wanted the world title so much but to break the world record again is fantastic,” said a jubilant Dalilah.
“I just decided to go for it from the start and I felt Sydney coming at me around hurdle nine, then I just gave everything I’d got. It hasn’t really sunk but it feels good,” said the 29-year-old. Dalilah, who marked 52.20 at the USATF 2019 National Championship, said ahead of Doha Worlds she will go for her personal best and that will be a record for the world. Muhammad’s performance also earns her a US$100,000 bonus as part of the world record programme supported by QNB and TDK.
She started the final well and was up quickest at led by an inch over McLaughlin after the first 100m.
McLaughlin tried to catch Dalilah but she was away by a yard as they came through the second bend. Dalilah maintained her lead to world record for the second time in three months.
“I just decided to go for it from the start but I didn’t think it will be so fast. I did everything I could and at least US got one-two. I am still young and everyday is a new experience for me,” said McLaughlin.
