National Championships marked a bold step beyond her usual domain of the 400m hurdles. Up until recently, she had dominated hurdles securely holding world records, Olympic and world titles so this move represented a clear pivot into flat‑race territory.
At the 2023 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, she lined up not only in her signature 400 m hurdles (where she held a bye as defending world champion) but also contested the open 400m her first major appearance in the flat event at that championship level . Her performance was simply sensational: she won the title in a stunning 48.74 s, breaking 49 seconds for the first time and clocking the fastest lap in the world that year . This time was just .04 s off Sanya Richards‑Ross’s American record and set a meet record as well .
The win qualified her for the 2023 World Championships in the 400 m flat, although she held a pre‑existing bye for the hurdles from the 2022 World title . This strategic decision opened the door to a potential 400 m/400 m hurdles double at Worlds—an ambitious but tantalizing possibility.
In summary:
Historic debut: First-ever major open 400 m race at U.S. Nationals.
Dominant victory: Won in 48.74s the fastest time globally in 2023, sub‑49, just shy of the U.S. record.
Career implications: Earned qualification for Worlds in both flat and hurdles, keeping alive the dream of doubling.
This entry into the 400 m flat wasn’t just a flash in the pan it signaled a serious expansion of her athletic repertoire, with world‑class potential in both events.
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