PHILADELPHIA—Natalie Dumas has once again rewritten the history books at the fastest party in the world.
When it seemed like Bullis (Md.) senior Sydney Sutton had a chance to hawk her down at the finish line, Dumas dove across the line to win the 400 meter dash championship in 51.14, resetting the state record that she shared with four-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (51.87).
Her time also shatters the previous New Balance meet record of 52.41, set by Adaejah Hodge of Montverde Academy (Fla.).
As Dumas laid on the ground with her head on the track, she had no idea if she made it past the finish line before Sutton.
But once she saw the scoreboard just a few feet away from her, all she could feel was shock.
“I honestly thought I was in second place,” Dumas said. “This is the biggest race that I’ve ever ran before. I was in disbelief when I looked over at the scoreboard and I saw the time. Just unbelievable. I never expected to get two titles (at nationals).
McLaughlin, who ran for Union Catholic from 2013-2017, first set the record in 2016. Dumas tied the record at the South, Group 4 sectional meet last May.
Dumas’s time ranks ninth all-time in U.S. history, per MileSplit, and is the fastest in the world this year for the Under-20 category. Sutton’s time was No. 10 in U.S. history.
“Just shocking,” Dumas said about breaking McLaughlin’s record. “The fact that I was so close to 50 seconds, I’m still so surprised about that. I feel like I can hit 50 if I have fresh legs.”
As impressive as Dumas’ finishing kick was, her ability to build a solid lead with 150 meters to go proved just as crucial. That early surge gave her enough cushion to withstand Sutton’s furious charge down the stretch. Sutton finished second with a time of 51.23.
“I (started out the race) way I wanted to, and that was my main goal,” Dumas added. “Because if you don’t get out, those small mistakes will mess you up. It was a perfect first 200 (meters), and it set up what I needed to do in the last 200 (meters) to win the race.”
Dumas’ victory in the 400 dash is her second national title in two days and her fourth overall national title. On Friday, Dumas won the 400 hurdles national title in 55.99, which is the sixth-best time in U.S. history.
You can watch the video of Dumas’ victory down below.
UPDATE: Dumas wins her third national title, breaks another Olympian’s record
Corey Annan can be reached at cannan@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him or send him a message on Twitter/X @coreyannan360.
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