In the first heat Dalilah Muhmmad, who comes from Oregon, won in 53.28 and in the second the Dutchwoman Femke Bol came in with 52.84 before McLaughlin put her foot down.
- I thought it was a good day to run a little faster.
I wanted to shake off some nervousness and get ready for Friday (night to Saturday Swedish time), McLaughlin says according to Reuters.
Bol has more in mind.
- Not a super race exactly but exactly what I needed.
I did not give one hundred percent so there is more to squeeze out, says Bol.
McLaughlin thrives at Hayward Field and has set two of his three world records in the arena.