The Ultimate Women’s 400m Hurdles Showdown | Lina Nielsen, Naomi Van den Broeck & Alanah Yukich

The Ultimate Women’s 400m Hurdles Showdown | Lina Nielsen, Naomi Van den Broeck & Alanah Yukich

The women’s 400-meter hurdles in Lucerne delivered a captivating blend of controversy, elite speed, and emotional intensity, creating one of the most memorable races of the meeting. What was expected to be a straightforward six-athlete final quickly transformed into a psychological and physical examination of composure under pressure, even before the first hurdle was cleared.

Tension erupted prior to the старт when Italy’s Alice Morero, the World University Games bronze medalist, became the center of confusion. A slight movement in the blocks triggered a red card, signaling a false start. The timing system registered a reaction of just 0.04 seconds—far below the legal threshold—an almost impossible number that immediately raised questions. Morero stood stunned, protesting the decision with visible disbelief as uncertainty spread through the stadium. Officials gathered, discussions stretched on, and the atmosphere grew heavier by the minute. Eventually, a rare decision was made: Morero would be allowed to compete under protest, adding another layer of drama to an already chaotic buildup.

When the race finally began, Great Britain’s Lina Nielsen wasted no time asserting control. Renowned for her explosive starts and remarkable consistency below 55 seconds this season, Nielsen attacked the opening phase with authority. Her stride pattern looked sharp and controlled, her hurdle clearance efficient and fearless. By the halfway mark, she had separated herself slightly from the rest of the field, sending a clear message that she was racing to win, not merely to survive.