Savannah Sutherland advances to 400m hurdles final at Paris 2024

It was a pretty sweet birthday gift to herself–Canada’s Savannah Sutherland, who turns 21 on Wednesday, has made the final of the women’s 400m hurdles in her first Olympic Games. Sutherland snagged one of two non-automatic qualifying spots in her semi-final with a time of 53.80 seconds to secure her spot in Thursday evening’s final.

The final will see a showdown between Tokyo bronze medallist and 2023 world champion Femke Bol of the Netherlands and defending Olympic champion and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and Sutherland will represent Borden, Sask, and Canada proudly in the same race. 

Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton, Jasmine Jones of the U.S. and France’s Louise Maraval also advanced automatically, finishing first or second in their heats; the other fastest non-automatic qualifying spot went to Shiann Salmon of Jamaica. 

“I know the final’s going to be pretty historic, so I just wanted to try and get out quick, to give myself the best chance,” Sutherland said after the race. “I knew that I was in a fast heat, so my best bet would be to run as fast as possible and try to get a small q [non-automatic qualifying spot], so I’m happy that I was able to execute.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol set for historic Olympic hurdles clash

“I actually didn’t see the little q at first, it was an official who came over to tell me that I qualified for the final, and I gave her a hug! I think she was a little bit startled, but I was excited, shocked, and taken aback. I turn 21 tomorrow, so best birthday present in the world, for sure! It definitely makes me excited for the future, and to see what I’m capable of.”

Sutherland will not likely do much celebrating until after the women’s 4x400m relay, which she is also entered in; the 400m hurdles final goes on Thursday evening, with the heats of the 4x400m relay on Friday morning.

Sutherland shares a birthday with McLaughlin-Levrone, who will turn 25 on Wednesday.

Athletics events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games are taking place from Aug. 1-11. Today’s coverage is brought to you by Canadian Running and New Balance Canada. Follow us on Twitter on Instagram for all things Team Canada and up-to-date exclusive news and content.