Mary Moraa and Sydney McLaughlin set for a sprint showdown in Monaco

ATHLETICS Mary Moraa and Sydney McLaughlin set for a sprint showdown in Monaco

Abigael Wafula 15:26 - 14.07.2023

Moraa and McLaughlin have never crossed paths in any other event and this will be the first time they clash in the 400m.

World 800m bronze medallist Mary Moraa is set for a face-off against World 400m Hurdles record holder Sydney McLaughlin for the first time ever at the Diamond League Meeting in Monaco on July 21.

Moraa and McLaughlin have never crossed paths in any other event and this will be the first time they clash in the 400m.

The American will prove to be Moraa’s greatest challenger since she is the fastest in the field and will be using the event as a build-up ahead of the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary where she intends to be competing in the 400m flat race.

McLaughlin has recorded a season best of 48.74 while dancing queen Moraa has a time of 50.38 so far this year. The two have had great outdoor seasons with Moraa going into the race unbeaten in the 400m so far this season.

She started off on a high when she won the 400m at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix and maintained the hot streak until the just concluded World Championships National Trials. She will be using the event as a build-up towards the global showpiece where she intends to go one place better.

On her part, McLaughlin has had quite a great season and has only lost one 400m race, during the Diamond League Meeting in Paris, France. She goes into the race psyched up after being crowned the 400m National Champion during the just-concluded USA National Championships.

The duo will face a stern test from Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke who has also run very good times so far this season. Her season’s best currently stands at 49.20 and she will definitely give Moraa and McLaughlin a run for their money.

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