Day six of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo produced a night of high drama, record-breaking runs and long-awaited triumphs. Four years after making history in the hurdles on this very track, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once again etched her name into athletics folklore, storming to the women’s 400m title in a championship record 47.78.
Just minutes earlier, Botswana’s Collen Kebinatshipi achieved a historic first for his country by winning the men’s 400m, while Trinidad & Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott ended a 13-year wait for another global title in the men’s javelin. Cuba’s Leyanis Perez Hernandez capped the evening with a stunning victory in the women’s triple jump, denying defending champion Yulimar Rojas.
Mclaughlin-Levrone Silences Doubters In 400m Epic
The much-anticipated women’s 400m final lived up to its billing, a showdown between McLaughlin-Levrone, Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino and 2019 world champion Salwa Eid Naser. All three dipped under 48.20, separated by just 0.41 seconds.
McLaughlin-Levrone held her form superbly down the home straight to cross in 47.78, not only smashing the championship record but also moving to second on the all-time list. Paulino clocked a lifetime best 47.98 for silver, while Naser took bronze in 48.19.
I knew there were a lot of people doubting me with making the switch from 400m hurdles to the flat 400m, but ultimately, I had faith in my training. It definitely helped having Mariledy Paulino in the outer lane where I could see her. But I still had to get the work done. My coach told me to get out of the blocks as fast as possible.
Kebinatshipi Makes History For Botswana
Botswana had plenty to celebrate as Collen Kebinatshipi stormed to a world-leading 43.53, the fastest time of his career and a new national record, to win the men’s 400m. In doing so, he became Botswana’s first ever men’s world champion.
This is my first title and it feels crazy. After the semifinal I really started to believe in myself. I told myself to go out fast and do better than in the semifinal. Being able to run the national record and a world lead is fantastic. Having three athletes from Botswana in the final shows we are growing – we are really improving as Botswana and as Africa.
Trinidad & Tobago’s Jereem Richards produced a national record of 43.72 for silver, while Bayapo Ndori gave Botswana a second podium finisher with 44.20 for bronze.
Walcott Ends 13-Year Wait With Javelin Gold
Trinidad & Tobago’s Keshorn Walcott finally stood atop a global podium again, 13 years after his surprise Olympic triumph in London. The 31-year-old launched the spear to 88.16m in the fourth round, enough to secure gold ahead of Grenada’s Anderson Peters (87.38m) and USA’s Curtis Thompson (86.67m).
I have been waiting for this medal for 13 years. Olympic victory at 19 was incredible, I could never beat it. I’ve been fighting for a World Championships medal, but I was always off the podium. I even thought these championships weren’t for me. But I never gave up. If I had given up, I would not be here.
It was a night of contrasting fortunes for the big names. World leader Julian Weber of Germany finished fifth with 86.11m. India’s Neeraj Chopra, the defending champion, struggled to find rhythm and had to settle for eighth with 84.03m, while Pakistan’s Olympic champion Arshad Nadeem could only manage 82.75m for 10th place. Their subdued performances highlighted the magnitude of Walcott’s resurgence.
Perez Hernandez Denies Rojas In Triple Jump Thriller
Cuba’s Leyanis Perez Hernandez claimed her first outdoor world title with the performance of her life, soaring 14.94m – the best mark of the year – to edge Dominica’s Olympic champion Thea Lafond (14.89m). Four-time champion and world record-holder Yulimar Rojas returned from injury to secure bronze with 14.76m.
