Iron Sharpens Iron

Sydney McLaughlin Sets World Record in 400M Hurdles, Dalilah Muhammad Wins Silver

The women’s 400-meter hurdles were Team USA’s shining track and field event on Tuesday in Tokyo as Americans Sydney McLaughlin and Dalilah Muhammad took gold and silver, respectively, in a must-see finish. McLaughlin topped her own world record of 51.90 seconds by nearly a half-second (51.46) while Muhammad came in at a personal-best 51.58 seconds. Muhammad was the reigning gold medalist in the event from 2016, but McLaughlin now owns the title of the world’s fastest female hurdler.

“Iron sharpens iron. People can call it whatever they want to call it; it’s two great athletes pushing each other to be better. There’s no animosity or hard feelings. It’s just two people trying to be their best. We wouldn’t be able to have these world records go back and forth without one another.” — Sydney McLaughlin

Watch: Sydney McLaughlin Sets 400M World Record

Other Olympics Highlights

Gymnastics: Simone Biles Takes Bronze in Beam Finals

Team USA gymnast Simone Biles returned to the Olympic action on Tuesday for one more go in her final event after withdrawing last week due to mental health challenges known as “the twisties.” She delivered a stellar performance in the balance beam finals, taking home the bronze on her way out of Tokyo.

Women’s Basketball: USA Crushes Australia (79-55)

The USA women’s basketball team absolutely thrashed Australia on Wednesday morning behind Breanna Stewart’s 23-point night. Stewy went 8-for-10 from the field, including five rebounds and three blocks. Team USA’s Olympic win streak is now at 53 games. They’ll face Serbia in the semifinals on Thursday.

Track & Field: 19-Year-Old American Makes History in 800M

American Athing Mu dominated the women’s 800-meter race on Tuesday with a blistering time of 1:55.21. The 19-year-old earned her first gold medal, and she became the first American woman to win gold in the 800-meters since 1968.

Men’s Baseball: USA def. Dominican Republic (3-1)

The USA baseball team staved off elimination on Wednesday morning with a 3-1 win over the Dominican Republic. Red Sox prospect Tristan Casas opened the scoring with a two-run homer in the 1st inning. The USA added an insurance run from Tyler Austin in the 5th. The U.S. advances to the semifinals on Thursday (6:00 am ET) against the loser of South Korea and Japan (in action this morning).

Men’s Soccer: Brazil & Spain Advance to Finals

Two iconic futbol countries will meet in the finale this weekend after a pair of scintillating semifinals matches on Tuesday. Spain knocked off Japan (1-0) thanks to Marco Asensio’s extra-time winner (115’). A few hours later, Brazil sent Mexico packing with a penalty-kick shootout victory (0-0, 4-1 PKs). Both Spain and Brazil will face off on Saturday (7:30 am ET) for the gold medal.

Women’s Volleyball: USA Beats Dominican Republic (3-0)

The United States volleyball squad is into the semifinals after a straight-set victory over the Dominican Republic Wednesday morning. Team USA will await the winner of Serbia and Italy for Friday’s semifinals, but they’ll be without injured starters Jordyn Poulter and Jordan Thompson.

*Not all links to highlights due to late-morning schedule.