Sports
Union County's Sydney McLaughlin Hurdles To Victory In 1st Race
McLaughlin, a Union Catholic HS of Scotch Plains graduate, advanced to the semifinals in her second Olympics. She will race again Monday.
SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Sydney McLaughlin, 2017 graduate of Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains, hurdled to victory in the 400-meter hurdles preliminary heat at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics on Friday.
McLaughlin now advances to the semifinals Monday at 7:45 a.m. in the 400-meter hurdles.
This is McLaughlin's second time at the Olympics and she made her first race look easy. Watch her race here.
Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Prior to arriving in Tokyo, McLaughlin crushed a world record in June when she became the first woman to run the 400m hurdles event in under 52 seconds during the Olympic Trials. Read More: Union Co. Runner Beats 400m Hurdles World Record At Olympic Trial
She came in at 51.90 seconds beating Rio gold medalist Muhammad's previous record of 52.16, according to NBC Sports.
Find out what's happening in Scotch Plains-Fanwoodwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
She called her victory a "gift from God."
Have a news tip? Email [email protected].
Get Patch breaking news alerts sent right to your phone with our new app. Download here. Don't miss local and statewide announcements. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
