(Catholic News Service) When U.S. runner Sydney McLaughlin crossed the finish line to win the gold in the 400-meter hurdles Aug. 3 in Tokyo, she had the cheers of fans supporting her from the New Jersey Catholic high school where she graduated four years ago.
Fans at the watch party at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains jumped up and down and cheered for their fellow alumnae who broke her own world record in the event and narrowly beat fellow U.S. teammate Dalilah Muhammad, who was the defending title-winner in this event.
She produced “another jaw-dropping performance,” as a Union Catholic article phrased it, when she smashed the world record in the women’s 400-meter hurdles July 27 on that last night of the U.S. Olympic Trials at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. She became the first woman to run the 400 hurdles in under 52 seconds — she set a new world record of 51.90.
McLaughlin also credits her success to someone else: “All of the glory to God,” McLaughlin said during her post-race interview with NBCSN. “Honestly this season, working with my new coach and new support system is truly about faith and trusting the process.”
Follow
