Siblings Taylor and Sydney McLaughlin both advance to the semifinals at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials for the 400m hurdles.
Sydney, who at 16 years old was just named Gatorade National Girls Track and Field Athlete of the Year, finished first in her qualifying heat with a time of 55.46. She finished second overall, behind Dalilah Muhammad.
Although Taylor, who just finished his freshman year at the University of Michigan, did not finish in the top three of his heat, he did have a time fast enough to qualify for the last spot left in the semifinals (51.24).
Whether or not the McLaughlins make it to Rio, they are guaranteed some international competition. Both won berths at the IAAF World U20 Track Championships in Poland later this month.
The Dunellen residents will next compete on Friday, July 8. The events will be televised on NBCSN Women’s 400m Hurdles Semi-Finals 7:31 PM; Men’s 400m Hurdles Semi-Finals 7:47 PM.