Olympic Women's 400m Hurdles Height May Increase
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone recently set a new world record in the women's 400m hurdles with a time 2.42 seconds faster than the previous record set by Sally Gunnell.
- The possibility of increasing the height of hurdles for women has been discussed following these record performances.
- Such changes could impact competitions and future athletes in the sport.
In a groundbreaking performance, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set her sixth world record in the women’s 400m hurdles in Paris, finishing 2.42 seconds faster than the previous record held by Sally Gunnell. This remarkable achievement has prompted discussions within World Athletics about potentially raising the height of the hurdles in the women’s event, which currently stands at 76.2cm (30 inches), compared to 91.4cm (36 inches) for men. McLaughlin-Levrone's time was so impressive that it nearly qualified her for the final of the women’s 400m flat race, where she is also the fastest runner this year. Lord Coe, president of World Athletics, acknowledged the possibility of reviewing the hurdle height, suggesting that the current standards may not adequately challenge elite athletes like McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol. He noted that the athletes appear to maintain their form effectively, indicating that the height of the hurdles could be a factor in their performance. Coe mentioned that discussions are ongoing, and feedback from 400m hurdlers supports the idea of a potential adjustment. Additionally, Coe expressed optimism about the recent introduction of a "repechage" system, allowing athletes a second chance to qualify for semi-finals in various events. This change has been well-received by both athletes and fans, as it adds excitement and opportunities for competitors. Coe believes that this format could influence training strategies, particularly for those aiming to compete in both the 800m and 1500m events, enhancing the overall competitive landscape in athletics.