Paris — The Wanda Diamond League Meeting in Paris will host a thrilling women’s 400 m race on June 20, featuring Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino and Bahraini star Salwa Eid Naser.
Marileidy Paulino has maintained her dominant form since Paris 2024, controlling races with smooth pacing and a powerful finish. She opened her 2025 season with a strong win in Doha, clocking 49.85 seconds, and followed with consistent sub-50-second performances.
On the other hand, Naser, last summer’s runner-up, remains a formidable challenger. She uses her explosive speed and aggressive finishing kick to close gaps quickly. Naser’s season-best 49.90 seconds in Rome showed she’s in peak shape and ready to challenge Paulino’s dominance.
Marileidy Paulino Strikes Again: Back-to-Back Slam Titles Cement Sprinting Supremacy
Their recent head-to-head battles have been razor-thin, with Marileidy Paulino narrowly edging Naser by less than half a second at the 2024 Diamond League final.
Meanwhile, Dutch athlete Lieke Klaver, the European Indoor champion, adds depth to the field. Klaver has steadily improved her times this season, running a personal best of 50.30 seconds in Birmingham. She brings tactical savvy and strong finishing speed, making her a potential spoiler.
Marileidy Paulino told the press, “I respect Salwa’s speed, but I trust my race strategy and endurance.” Naser responded, “I’m hungry for the win and ready to push hard in Paris.”
Marileidy Paulino Dominance
Marileidy Paulino has dominated the women’s 400 meters with her powerful speed and tactical racing. The Dominican sprinter burst onto the global stage with a silver medal at Tokyo 2020 and solidified her status by winning gold at Paris 2024.
In 2025, she continues to impress by consistently running sub-50-second times and controlling races with a smooth, strong finish. Paulino’s combination of endurance and speed allows her to outpace rivals in the final stretch.
The Paris crowd can expect a high-stakes, strategic battle where every second counts. This race promises drama, speed, and memorable moments as these athletes fight for supremacy on the world stage.
