Muhammad wins 400m hurdles gold with world record

Dalilah Muhammad of the United States powered to a new world record in a furious 400 metres hurdles battle with compatriot Sydney McLaughlin to claim World Championships gold on Friday.

The 2016 Olympic champion took gold with a time of 52.16 seconds at the Khalifa Stadium, beating her own world mark of 52.20 set at the US Trials in Iowa in July.

McLaughlin, who finished just a whisker behind, took silver with a time of 52.23 while the bronze went to Rushell Clayton of Jamaica in a time of 53.74.

Dalilah Muhammad (USA) – gold

On expectation of a WR in the final:

“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.

On if it’s understandable that race is fast:

“I definitely did think the race was pretty fast from the start. Sometimes you need to back off to know, maybe you’re going too fast, but in this race, I just knew there was no holding back. That could be done so I definitely did know I was moving pretty fast and trying to hold on last 100m.”

On starting from the lane ahead of Sydney:

“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.”

On how she got from the mental state she was in Zurich to where she is now:

“Performing in the Diamond League, I don’t think we both did not expect it was going to be as fast as in Des Moines and we were kind of hoping for the best. Maybe we just needed a little break after Des Moines and after running 52.20.

“To stay on that level for more than two months, to be ready for this race, it was probably too much. Our focus was on the World championships.”

On getting used to breaking the world records:

“I don´t know if I get used to it but when the field is so competitive, I have no choice.”

On breaking the world record twice in one season, which is very rare:

“Yes, I guess my comment would be thankful that I have done it. Thankful for 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.”

Sydney McLaughlin (USA) – silver

On expectations of a WR in the final:

“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.”

On how it was possible to get such a high level not being in this before:

“I think just trusting the process. Everyone sees different on how they progress could be developed. I think I was really happy with how mine went. This time I was a little bit closer to the goal. I’m really happy of how this year went and was able to (something) out of the season.”

On if it’s understandable that race is fast:

“I think you can tell when you come out of the last turn you feel it in your legs in certain conditions you can control this speed.

On how it was helpful to see Dalilah, who raced on lane 6:

“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.”

Rushell Clayton (JAM) – bronze

On the expectation of a WR in the final:

“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.”