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Sydney McLaughlin beats world record holder to win Diamond League final

Sydney McLaughlin is back

Sydney McLaughlin Photo by: Kevin Morris

Sydney McLaughlin ran a stunning race today in the 400mH at the Zurich Diamond League. The 20-year-old ran a season’s best, only 0.10 seconds off her personal best of 52.75, which is the world junior record.

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McLaughlin has undergone a lot of change in the past couple of years. The runner graduated high school in 2017 and started at the University of Kentucky in the fall of 2018. Many running fans were surprised at the hurdler’s decision to go to school as opposed to turning pro right out of the gate, but her first year in the NCAA was very successful. The freshman managed to set the collegiate outdoor record and world junior record in the 400m hurdles, and a world junior record in the indoor 400m of 50.36. Following her first year of university, McLaughlin signed with New Balance. This year has been her first year running pro.

Dalilah Muhammad world record

To make her run on Thursday even more impressive, McLaughlin beat world record holder Dalilah Muhammad, who finished third in 54.13. Shamier Little was second in 53.86.

Muhammad and McLaughlin have both made the upcoming World Championships in Doha. Muhammad set her world record of 52.20 several weeks ago at the USATF World Trials and national championships in Des Moines, Iowa.

RELATED: Sydney McLaughlin estimated to become one of the highest paid runners in the world

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