Allyson Felix Wins First Major 400m Title and Breaks U.S. Record for World Medals

Allyson Felix won her record-breaking ninth World Championship gold medal after taking first in the 400m in Beijing on Thursday night.


“I never really thought I’d see this day,” Felix told Universal Sports.

Felix clocked 49.26 seconds in the race breaking her tie with Carl Lewis and Michael Johnson for the most Worlds gold medals won by an American. She also became the first woman to win World titles in the 200m and the 400m. Before the race Felix had four Olympic titles and eight world gold medals all won from either the 200m or relays.

In Beijing Felix chose the 400m over the 200m because she wanted to challenge herself by running the longer distance. This win might set Felix up to run both races in the Rio Olympic games.

“If I’m fit enough to do it, I would [run the 200m and 400m at the Olympics],” Felix told Universal Sports.

Watch the race below.


Photograph: Lintao Zhang/Getty Images for IAAF

Allyson Felix gold medals World Championships