Arizona Tribune - Femke Bol of the Netherlands wins world women's 400m hurdles gold

In the absence of defending world and Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Bol was hot favourite and she didn't disappoint, winning in 51.70 seconds.

American Shamier Little claimed silver in 52.80sec while Jamaica's Rushell Clayton took bronze, just a hundredth of a second slower.

But there was no doubt who was in control of the race, Dutch runner Bol ahead of the field from gun to tape at the National Athletics Centre.

"I feel as if the hard work has paid off," said Little. "I've been working on controlling my nerves a lot. So to come here in this noise and not let it faze me, and not let the heat get to me -- that was an achievement.

"I really am just proud. I stayed calm and focused on one thing at a time. This will really boost my confidence because I know that I am medal worthy, that I can step on the line. I'm excited for next year."

Clayton, who also won world bronze in Doha in 2019, added: "All the ladies were on fire. I was able to better my personal best two times in Budapest so I cannot be happier.

"I knew Femke would be in front of us but the others would be close to each other so I just focused on myself."

M.O.Allen--AT