TOKYO — There was no celebratory scream when Sydney McLaughlin crossed the finish line Wednesday. She didn't throw her hands in the air or double over on the track. There were no tears. No boasting. No dancing. And only a quick glimpse of a smile.
"Too many emotions, that you have no emotions," she said later.
She appeared calm and subdued even after the crowning moment of her career – victory in one of the fastest 400-meter hurdles races in Olympic history, and the second in as many days.
The 21-year-old New Jersey product broke her own world record by nearly half a second Wednesday en route to Olympic gold, outsprinting compatriot Dailah Muhammad – the reigning world champion and Olympic gold medalist – after both women cleared the 10th and final hurdle.