American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone sets WR, claims gold in 400 hurdles

PARIS -- American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone obliterated her own 400 meters hurdles world record with a time of 50.37 seconds to retain her Olympic title on Thursday.

Anna Cockrell of the United States took silver and Dutchwoman Femke Bol claimed bronze.

McLaughlin-Levrone lowered her previous mark of 50.65 set at the U.S. trials in June.

It was the sixth time she had broken the record and the crowd at the Stade de France went into a frenzy when it became clear a new all-time best was within her reach.

LONG JUMP

American Tara Davis-Woodhall soared to Olympic gold in the women's long jump, sealing victory with a gigantic fourth leap to improve on her silver medal performance at last year's world championships.

The 25-year-old posted 7.10 meters (23 feet, 3 inches) to take the title from Tokyo Olympic gold medalist and three-time world champion Malaika Mihambo of Germany who claimed silver with 6.98m.

American Jasmine Moore jumped 6.96m to claim bronze.

Davis-Woodhall had victory locked up before her final jump, choking back tears before her final sprint down the runway. She stood up briefly after landing, then fell back into the sand with a wide smile to a boisterous ovation.

--Reuters, Special to Field Level Media