In a thrilling fourth day at the World Athletics Championships held at National Stadium in Tokyo, Cordell Tinch showcased his elite skills by clinching the gold medal in the men’s 110 hurdles, while Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone etched her name in history by breaking the American record in the women’s 400 meters. The United States Team continued to dominate the medal standings, boasting six gold medals out of a total of eight.
Tinch solidified his reputation as the leading hurdler globally, controlling the race decisively following the fourth hurdle. He crossed the finish line with an impressive time of 12.99 seconds, marking the 13th U.S. gold in this event, and positioning him among only seven athletes in the competition’s history to complete the run in under 13 seconds. His outstanding performance comes after he set a world-leading mark of 12.87 at the Shaoxing Diamond League meet earlier this season and clinched the Diamond League final in Zurich with a time of 12.92. Despite his strong start, fellow American Ja’Kobe Tharp, who was in contention early, placed sixth with a time of 13.31.
Earlier in the semifinals, Tinch appeared more relaxed compared to his earlier rounds, clocking a time of 13.16 to secure his spot in the final. Tharp, although initially struggling, managed to qualify as a time qualifier. Dylan Beard, who had been leading through nine hurdles in the first semifinal, ultimately finished fourth and did not advance, while reigning Olympic and world champion Grant Holloway faced an unexpected setback, finishing sixth.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s performance was nothing short of spectacular as she completed the women’s 400 semifinal with a time of 48.29, making her the seventh-fastest in history. By breaking Sanya Richards-Ross’ long-standing American record of 48.70 set back in 2006, she joined an exclusive group of elite athletes who have run the race in under 49 seconds. Two other top contenders, Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain and Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, will join her in the final, setting the stage for an exhilarating showdown.
The women’s 1500 meters witnessed a master class performance from three-time world champion Faith Kipyegon, who led the race from start to finish. She finished with a time of 3:52.15, solidifying her dominance in the event and further lowering her personal best. Kenyan runner Dorcas Ewoi secured the silver with a lifetime best of 3:54.92, while Australia’s Jessica Hull took bronze.
In men’s high jump action, New Zealand’s Hamish Kerr successfully cleared 2.36 meters on his first attempt to capture the gold medal. South Korea’s Sanghyeok Woo achieved a commendable silver with a height of 2.34 meters, and Czech athlete Jan Stefela earned bronze with a 2.31-meter leap.
The men’s hammer throw also delivered remarkable performances, highlighted by Canada’s Ethan Katzberg, who initially set a standard of 82.66 meters before unleashing a record-breaking throw of 84.70 meters, propelling him to fifth on the all-time list for a meet record. Germany’s Merlin Hummel claimed silver with a lifetime best of 82.77 meters, while Hungary’s Bence Halasz took bronze.
In the men’s 400 meters, the semifinals were thrilling as Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi clocked a time of 43.61 to position himself within the top ten on the all-time list. American champion Jacory Patterson also advanced, barely making the final cut.
Making a comeback after injuries, 2019 world champion Donavan Brazier dominated the men’s 800-meter heats, clocking 1:44.66—the fastest time of the round, while American record holder Bryce Hoppel also advanced with a solid performance.
In the women’s triple jump, Jasmine Moore secured her place in the final after overcoming a missed first attempt. Her jump of 14.22 meters highlighted her resilience.
As the championships progress, Team USATF continues to shine, with a total of eight medals, including six golds and two bronzes, underscoring their dominance in this prestigious international competition.
