1. 6/21/16, 8:01 PMUSA Track & Field - McLaughlin’s record-shattering performances earn AOW honors
Page 1 of 2http://www.usatf.org/News/McLaughlin-s-record-shattering-performances-earn-A.aspx
Archives: 2016
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McLaughlin’s record-shattering performances earn AOW honors
6/21/2016
INDIANAPOLIS -- Sydney McLaughlin wins USATF Athlete of the Week after breaking two national
high school records in the 400m hurdles and the SMR (Swedish Medley Relay) at Sunday’s New
Balance Nationals.
On Sunday, McLaughlin (Dunellen, New Jersey) derailed the previous high school 400m hurdles record
of 55.20 set by Leslie Maxie in 1984. McLaughlin’s time of 54.46 tabbed her as the American junior
record holder (2002 - Lashinda Demus, 54.7) and the best youth 400m hurdles time in the world.
McLaughlin’s record-breaking feat marks her third consecutive NBN title in the 400m hurdles, and
places her in third among the fastest marks in the U.S this year, and fifth in the world; just several of
the many accomplishments that highlights her superlative high school career.
Sunday’s record-breaking performance coexists with her performance in the SMR on Saturday, in
which McLaughlin was set to run the 400m anchor for Union Catholic High School. The SMR consists of
100, 200, 300 and 400 meter variables.
McLaughlin led the team to their third consecutive national championship in the relay with a national
record time of 2:07.99. Equally as impressive, McLaughlin’s split time of 50.93 was confirmed to be
the fastest 400m split for a girls’ relay in U.S. history, in which McLaughlin brought the team from last
place to first.
“I wasn’t even thinking about the timing, I was just trying to finish the race,” McLaughlin told
RunnerSpace, following her 400m record. “I just wanted to go out and run...the best I could, and the
time was just a bonus.”
McLaughlin is set to compete in the 400m hurdles at the USATF Junior Outdoor Championships, as well
as the U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field held in Eugene, Oregon.
“I’m ready, I’m excited,” McLaughlin said of the Olympic Trials. “It’s great for me because now I’m
going to be able to be in the race with [the elites] and just get the experience.”
Other notable performances of the week include the following:
Kate Murphy (Burke, Virginia) set a new personal best of 4:07.21 in the adidas Dream 1500m
at the adidas Boost Boston Games Friday evening, qualifying for the Olympic Trials. The time
makes her the third-fastest high schooler in U.S. history.
Mikey Brannigan (Northport, New York) broke the Paralympic American Record in the 800m
with a PR of 1:52.44 at the USATF East Regional Championships on Saturday.
Now in its 15th year, USATF’s Athlete of the Week program is designed to recognize outstanding
performers at all levels of the sport. USATF names a new honoree each week and features the athlete
on USATF.org. Selections are based on top performances and results from the previous week.
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2. 6/21/16, 8:01 PMUSA Track & Field - McLaughlin’s record-shattering performances earn AOW honors
Page 2 of 2http://www.usatf.org/News/McLaughlin-s-record-shattering-performances-earn-A.aspx
2016 Winners: Jan. 13, Garrett Heath; Jan. 20, Donavan Brazier; Jan. 27, Keni Harrison; Feb. 3, Jenn
Suhr; Feb. 10, Vashti Cunningham; Feb. 17, Galen Rupp; Feb. 24, John Nunn; March 2, Curtis Beach;
March 11, Bill Collins; March 16, Da’mira Allen; March 24, Michelle Carter; March 31, Janet Bawcom;
April 8, Maria Michta-Coffey; April 14, Keni Harrison; April 22, LaShawn Merritt; April 28, Courtney
Okolo; May 6, Ida Keeling; May 12, Willie Gault; May 18, Marquise Goodwin; June 2, Keni Harrison;
June 9, Tia Brooks; June 16, Donavan Brazier; June 23, Sydney McLaughlin.
We welcome your nominations!
To nominate an athlete for USATF Athlete of the Week, please send a detailed email about his/her
performance to Communications@usatf.org.
Andrew Eisch
Communications Intern
Andrew.Eisch@usatf.org
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