Athletics-McLaughlin credits 'championship coach' Kersee in 400m triumph

Jul 7, 2023; Eugene, OR, USA; Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone wins women's 400m semifinal in 49.60 during the USATF Championships at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - The queen of the hurdles, Sydney McLaughlin, has staked her claim in the 400 metres flat, picking up the U.S. title in her new event on Saturday as she follows a path set by top coach Bobby Kersee to perfection.

She collected gold in Tokyo two years ago and sent the crowd in Eugene, Oregon, to their feet in 2022 when she took a chunk out of her own world record to win the 400m hurdles World Championship.