Sat 05 October 2019:
Dalilah Muhammad of the United States stormed to a world record-breaking victory in the 400 metres hurdles as hosts Qatar celebrated a gold medal for high jumper Mutaz Essa Barshim at the World Championships on Friday.
On a night of high drama played out before a rare packed house at the Khalifa Stadium, Muhammad broke the world record for the second time this year as she powered home to win in 52.16 seconds.
The 29-year-old Olympic champion took gold ahead of compatriot Sydney McLaughlin, while Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton took the bronze.
“I just wanted the world title so much but to break the world record again is fantastic,” Muhammad said after her victory, which improved her record of 52.20sec set in July.
“I just decided to go for it from the start,” Muhammad added. “It hasn’t really sunk in yet but it feels good.”
The biggest roar of Friday’s action was reserved for Qatari high jumper Barshim.
The 28-year-old had the home fans on their feet after a roller coaster competition which saw him clinch victory with a jump of 2.37m
Barshim’s win came after he had flirted with elimination at 2.33, before clearing the bar on his third and final attempt.
Two Russian athletes competing under the Authorised Neutral Athlete banner, Mikhail Akimenko and Ilya Ivanyuk won silver and bronze.
“For me, it was just a dream, amazing. I was not 100 percent ready but when I came and saw all those people cheering for me, even if I was dying, if they take me in a wheelchair or ambulance, I would do everything I can,” said Barshim.
Barshim’s victory earned him an audience with Qatar’s ruler, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani.
“I can’t’ tell you what he said — it’s top secret,” Barshim joked.
The final event of the day saw Toshikazu Yamanishi complete a Japanese double in the race-walking events, the 23-year-old taking gold in the 20 kilometre walk to emulate compatriot Yusuke Suzuki’s win in the 50km walk earlier in the championships.
Yamanishi finished in a time of 1 hour 26 minutes and 34 seconds, 15 seconds ahead of silver medallist Vasiliy Mizinov in 1hr 26min 49sec.
Sweden’s Perseus Karlstrom took bronze with 1:27:00.
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