Paris 2024: Marileidy Paulino dares Nickisha Pryce & Natalia Kaczmarek in 400m quest for world record

Paris 2024: Marileidy Paulino dares Nickisha Pryce & Natalia Kaczmarek in 400m quest for world record

Festus Chuma 05:41 - 01.08.2024

Marileidy Paulino has been performing well this season ranking first globally in the 400m.

Dominican sprinter Marileidy Paulino is setting the stage for a historic performance at the Olympic Games in Paris.

The 27-year-old sprinter is not just another contender but is a seasoned athlete with a clear vision—to win gold and break the world record in the 400 meters.

Paulino's journey to Paris is backed by an impressive track record including two silver medals at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a gold medal at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest.

Her personal best time of 48.76 seconds makes her one of the top athletes to watch in this year’s games.

However, she is not the only one in the spotlight as competitors like Nickisha Pryce and Natalia Kaczmarek, who have also dipped below the 49-second barrier this year are expected to give a tough challenge.

"The Marileidy who arrived in Tokyo wasn’t very well known. Now many people know me. Winning a world title puts me in the spotlight among other athletes; I am one of the favourites," Paulino expressed in a recent interview with AFP.

In preparation for the Olympics, Paulino has focused intensely on both her physical and mental conditioning.

"I have prepared very well. Physically and mentally, I am more than ready. I just have to wait for the day," she stated.

Her aim is not just to clinch the gold but also to break the 48-second barrier, a feat that would etch her name in the annals of athletics history.

Competing against Paulino are Pryce and Kaczmarek, both of whom have shown exceptional form this season.

Pryce, following her breakthrough at the London Diamond League, and Kaczmarek, alongside other strong contenders like Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke and the U.S.’s Kendall Ellis, are part of a formidable lineup that could potentially disrupt Paulino’s plans.

Despite the stiff competition Paulino’s spirits remain high.

She is buoyed by her past successes and her current ranking as the world number one in the women’s 400m on the World Athletics ranking.

Additionally, her role as a flag bearer during the opening ceremony, despite the challenging weather conditions, was a moment of pride and joy.

"Many athletes would have liked to experience that. And on a boat, too!" she remarked, appreciating the unique experience.

Looking ahead, Paulino is not only focused on the upcoming Olympics but also on her long-term goals.

The world record of 47.60 seconds, set by Marita Koch in 1985, is on her radar.

"I must wait for that moment. Whether it’s at these Olympic Games, the next ones, or at the World Championships, perhaps one day I can try."

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