McLaughlin shattered her world record in the 400m hurdles with a time of 50.68 seconds to win the gold medal.
The world record was set by the 22-year-old. She has bettered the mark in four of the last five major races.
McLaughlin spoke on the track after the race.
Defending world champion Dalilah Muhammad finished third in a time that would have won the race seven years ago, while Femke Bol of the Netherlands finished second in a time that would have won the race seven years ago.
By the time the American reached the final curve, it was clear that this would be a race against the clock.
She looked at the score and said, "That's great.''
She said that she wanted to go for it. The last 100 hurt.
After 16 years, Muhammad lowered the record to 52.20 at the U.S. Championships in Iowa.
Since then, either she or McLaughlin have broken it at every major meet: Muhammad at worlds (52.16), McLaughlin at last year's Olympics (51.90), the Olympics (51.46), and, now, this.
There are four records that McLaughlin has set on this track. She has turned her one-on-one match with Muhammad into a one- woman show.
How is the big question. The mix of improved track surfaces, new technology in the spikes, and a new coaching regimen were some of the answers.
Pure talent is the majority.
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