Dalilah Muhammad of the U.S. poses after winning gold and breaking the world record
Dalilah Muhammad set a new world record for the second time in three months and team USA’s star 400m hurdler praised a competitive field for her achievement.
The 29-year-old clocked 52.16 to win gold at the IAAF World Athletics Championships Doha 2019, and bettered her own world record of 52.20 she set at the US Championships in Des Moines.
Dalilah was pushed by her 20-year-old US rival Sydney McLaughlin in Friday’s final at the packed Khalifa International Stadium. McLaughlin won silver in 52.23 while Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton got bronze with a time of 53.74.
“We knew it was gonna be a fast race. We had such a competitive race. We had such highly competitive girls on the field. So, definitely it had to (something) with it. I don´t know if I get used to it but when the field is so competitive, I have no choice,” said Dalilah, whose new world record came as a bonus.
“This means so much. It’s difficult to describe. I just wanted the world title so much but to break the world record again I fantastic. I am thankful to my coach who supported me and had pushed me this year to stay dedicated and motivated, and definitely, it was a hard work and I am happy that it came altogether at the right time,” the Olympic champion added.
Dalilah said she relishes her rivalry with McLaughlin.
“When you’re so close and have the same level of talent the lanes, definitely, start to play a role. I just tried to remember when I’m on training I’m always in the lead with my training partner. Anytime when we do any type of running training, I always lead and I just tried to go with this in this race and try to just hold on to what I do on every single day of practice.”
McLaughlin agreed the tough competition was helpful in bringing the best out from finalists.
“I think we had really fast race, what pushed us to do our bests. It was expected to get another world record, but I cannot complain what was happed today,” said McLaughlin.
On how it was helpful to see Dalilah, who raced on lane 6, she said: “I think it really did make a difference here today being able to see her, because she was such a strong competitor that goes up so fast. It definitely made my race.”
Jamaica’s Clayton said: “For me I knew it was gonna be a fast race. These ladies have been running fast all year and I haven’t quite got to 52 yet. All I did was maintain my composure and run for a bronze medal.”
