Dominican Republic’s Paulino claims women’s 400m gold at World Athletics Championships

Paulino, second-fastest this year, ran a controlled race to come off the final bend in the lead and drive home for an emphatic victory in 48.76 seconds.

Marileidy Paulino after winning the Women’s 400m Final. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic won World Championship gold in the women’s 400m on Wednesday, finally claiming top spot on the podium after silvers at last year’s worlds and the Tokyo Olympics.

The race was wide open in the absence of injured American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the 400m hurdles world record holder and fastest in the world this year over the flat, and with Olympic and defending world champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo going out in the heats four months after having a baby.

Paulino, second-fastest this year, was out in lane seven and ran a controlled race to come off the final bend in the lead and drive home for an emphatic victory in 48.76 seconds.

Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek took silver in 49.57 followed by Sada Williams of Barbados in 49.60.