Samurai_Runner wrote:
She's already won 2 400h races, so it's not really a season "opener". I would say it's disappointing given this.
It is her first open 400m for one year. As any 400m hurdler will tell you, McLaughlin included, running the flat 400m is completely different to the hurdles, it's a totally different rhythm.
An opening 49.9 is excellent for Bol.
McLaughlin, who's competition programme is completely different to Bol's, opened with a 50.3 and improved to a 49.6. Is that any better or worse than Bol's?
The facts are, Bol has opened both over the hurdles and on the flat faster than she has ever done. It's all very positive. And let's see how she runs on Friday. She has kept her senior unbeaten streak against World and Olympic 400m medalist Bukowiecka thus far.