Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin breaks her own world record in 400m hurdles

EUGENE, Ore. — Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin bested her own world record in the 400-meter hurdles at the U.S. outdoor track and field championships Saturday.

McLaughlin flashed a broad smile when her time was announced, then gave a thumbs-up. She crossed the finish line in 51.41 seconds, breaking her own record of 51.46 set last year at the Tokyo Games, where she won the gold medal.

She said she had no idea what to expect as she cleared the last hurdle.

«I was just gonna finish the race. You know anything is possible,» she said. «I'm just really grateful for it.»

The top three finishers in each event at the national championships will represent the United States in the world outdoor championships, also at Eugene's Hayward Field, next month. It is the first time that track and field's biggest event outside of the Olympics will be held on American soil.

Allyson Felix, the most decorated woman in track history, finished sixth in the 400, in what was her final national championship race.

Felix, who announced in April that this will be her final season, is enjoying the final days of her illustrious career — which includes 11 Olympic medals. She plans to run her final official race in her native Los Angeles in August. Despite her finish, Felix will is expected make the mixed relay team at worlds.

NCAA champion Talitha Diggs of Florida won the 400 in 50.22 seconds. Dalilah Muhammad sat out of the race because of a slight injury, but she has already qualified for the world championships as the defending champion in the event.

«It was a great field. So just wanted to make sure to maintain my form, engage my core and just push,» Diggs said.

Asked if she was disappointed with the finish, Felix laughed.

«Honestly no. You guys