Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic achieved a remarkable milestone during the 2026 ATHLOS London event, held at StoneX Stadium on September 18, by winning the women’s 400 meters in a record time of 48.73 seconds. This performance not only earned Paulino first place but also set a new meeting record. Her victory came as she executed a significant final-push surge to overtake Norway’s Henriette Jæger, who finished in second place just five hundredths of a second later with a time of 48.78.
Paulino Dominates At ATHLOS London
Paulino’s latest win represents the 15th occasion in her career that she has completed a 400-meter race in under 49 seconds, tying the all-time record for sub-49 performances. Although she began the race trailing behind, holding sixth place at the halfway mark, Paulino’s determination shone in the latter stages of the race. By the 300-meter point, she had advanced to third and ultimately surged ahead just before the finish line.
Paulino’s efforts this season have been characterized by exceptional consistency, with eight of her sub-49 performances occurring in 2026 alone. As she crossed the finish line, she solidified her unbeaten streak during this competitive year, capping it with a thrilling victory at ATHLOS London.
Meanwhile, Jæger’s time of 48.78 also marked a historic achievement for Norway, establishing a new national record and recognizing her as the fastest European woman over 400 meters in three decades, according to officials from European Athletics.
The ATHLOS London event offered significantly increased rewards for athletes, with first place secured with a prize of $65,000. Paulino’s victory also included the customary Tiffany & Co.-designed crown awarded to winners at the event. The competition is noteworthy as it was the first international stop for ATHLOS since its launch in New York.
This year’s women’s competition featured seven disciplines, where prominent athletes like Sha’Carri Richardson, Gabby Thomas, and Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson also highlighted their talents in their respective events.
Paulino’s victory adds yet another honor to her distinguished career, which has included winning the gold medal in the women’s 400 meters at the Paris 2024 Olympics and setting an Olympic record with her 48.17-second run.
Why It Matters
Marileidy Paulino’s triumph at ATHLOS London not only showcases her extraordinary athletic skill and consistency but also emphasizes the growing recognition and support for women’s track and field internationally. Her achievements inspire the next generation of athletes and underscore the importance of dedicated training and perseverance in the pursuit of excellence.
