American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone began her defense of the 400 meters hurdles Olympic title with a smooth victory in the opening round in Paris.
The world record holder eased through her heat, finishing first with a time of 53.60 seconds, without needing to push to her limits at the Stade de France.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s American teammates Anna Cockrell (53.91) and Jasmine Jones (53.60) also won their respective heats.
McLaughlin-Levrone, the heavy favorite after setting a new world record of 50.65 seconds at her national trials in June, was introduced to roaring applause from the crowd.
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Jamaican Rushell Clayton finished her race in 54.32, and the Netherlands’ Femke Bol cruised through her heat in 53.38.
She navigated the hurdles effortlessly, with Moroccan Noura Ennadi finishing second in 55.26 seconds and French hopeful Louise Maraval securing third in 55.32, advancing with the support of the home crowd.
Bol, who had a standout performance in the 4×400 mixed relay, showed no signs of fatigue as she easily won her heat.
The top three finishers from each heat, along with the next three fastest overall, will advance to Tuesday’s semi-finals, with the final scheduled for Thursday.
