McLaughlin-Levrone runs fastest women’s 400m in 40 years to claim world gold

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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone ran the fastest women’s 400 metres in 40 years to claim world championship gold in 47.78 sec on Thursday and complete her transition from the one-lap hurdles in emphatic style.

The American stormed through the Tokyo rain to add a first global gold in the flat 400m to the two Olympic and one world titles she won over the hurdles.

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The Olympic gold medallist and defending champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic finished second in 47.98 sec and became the third-fastest woman in history over the single lap. Bronze went to Bahrain’s former world champion, Salwa Eid Naser, in 48.19 sec.

Botswana’s 21-year-old Busang Collen Kebinatshipi won gold in the 400m on Thursday, roaring clear in 43.53 sec, with compatriot Bayapo Ndori taking bronze on a memorable night for the African nation.

Kebinatshipi, who scorched a season-leading 43.61 sec in the semi-finals on Tuesday, ran a brilliantly judged race as others went out hard, and came off the final bend strongly, driving through the rain for a dominant victory. Jareem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago took silver in a national record 43.72 sec, with Ndori third in 44.20 sec.