American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone shattered her own 400 metres hurdles world record with a stunning time of 50.37 seconds, securing her second consecutive Olympic title on Thursday. The U.S. claimed a 1-2 finish with Anna Cockrell taking silver in 51.87 seconds, while Dutch runner Femke Bol, who had been a top contender for gold, faded in the final 50 metres to win bronze in 52.15 seconds.

McLaughlin-Levrone’s performance marked the sixth time she has broken the world record, improving on her previous best of 50.65 seconds set at the U.S. trials in June. The crowd at the Stade de France erupted in excitement as she closed in on the record, and she celebrated her victory by ringing the victory bell, adorned with a tiara.

Having already made history as the first woman to break the 52 and 51-second barriers, McLaughlin-Levrone has turned the 400 metres hurdles into a marquee event and established herself as a global superstar. "It’s amazing to see our sport continue to grow, for people to want to watch the 400m hurdles. Just a lot of hard work put in this year," she remarked.

Despite the pressure, McLaughlin-Levrone remained focused and took control of the race from the start, effortlessly clearing each hurdle. Bol, who was expected to challenge McLaughlin-Levrone closely, couldn't maintain her pace after winning gold in the mixed relay five days earlier and fell behind in the final stretch.

Cockrell delivered a personal best to secure the silver medal and expressed her emotions afterward: "I sacrificed a lot, my family has sacrificed a lot... To do this today, when it counts the most, on the biggest of stages, with my whole family here, we’re all over there crying our eyes out."

This victory marked the fourth consecutive Olympic win for the United States in the women's 400m hurdles. McLaughlin-Levrone, who turned 25 the day before the race, had extra reason to celebrate. "Grateful to be celebrating my 25th birthday like this... My whole family’s here. We’re going to celebrate, we’re going to enjoy this time and get ready for the relay too," she said.