Olympic Champion Dalilah Muhammad, claimed a commanding victory in the women’s 400m hurdles at the Oslo Diamond League on June 12, clocking a season-best 53.34 seconds.
It was Muhammad’s first Diamond League win in three years, a long-awaited return to form for a hurdling icon in what might be her final lap around the world stage.
A Comeback Built on Control and Courage
Muhammad’s 53.34 vaulted her to third on the 2024 world-leading list and reminded the world why her name is etched in track history. But the path to that victory came with an unexpected challenge on the track.
Speaking candidly after the race, Muhammad revealed she encountered muscle cramps mid-race, specifically around hurdle eight.
“I felt good today,” she said, reflecting on her execution.
“I kind of went a little easy early on, then really went for it that last 200. That was the plan.”
Even as discomfort crept in, Muhammad’s experience and composure carried her through.
“I was cramping up a bit on hurdle eight, so I’m gonna go have a look at that hamstring. But other than that, it was well executed.”
A Farewell Season in Motion
This Oslo victory is part of a deeply personal final campaign for Muhammad, who earlier this year hinted that would be her farewell soon. In April, during a pre-race media briefing ahead of the Kingston Grand Slam Track contest, Muhammad quietly confirmed what many suspected.
“It’s going to be it for me this year. I haven’t really made an announcement or publicly said it, but yeah, I think I’m one and done.”
While she’s yet to formally announce retirement, every stride this season feels like a chapter in a closing book, one filled with Olympic gold, World Championship records, and Diamond League dominance.
A Career That Reshaped the Record Books
A 2016 Olympic champion in Rio and silver medalist in Tokyo five years later, Dalilah also claimed Olympic gold in the 4x400m relay.
The New York native made history at the 2019 U.S. Championships, breaking a 16-year-old world record with a time of 52.20 seconds in the 400m hurdles. She followed it up at the Doha World Championships later that year, lowering her own record to a stunning 52.16 in one of the most memorable races the sport has ever seen.
Though surpassed by Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol in recent seasons, Muhammad’s personal best of 51.58 still ranks her third-fastest all-time, a testament to her place among the greats.
Next Stop
Following her Oslo win, Muhammad’s eyes are now set on the Stockholm Diamond League. The road ahead may be bittersweet for fans and fellow athletes alike, as each race edges closer to a likely farewell.
But for Muhammad, it’s about finishing on her own terms.
“I had a couple of ups and downs, but we’re figuring it out. I’m looking forward to the Championships. I know I’ll be ready by then,” she shared.
Dalilah Muhammad continues to chase perfection and reminds us all what greatness looks like in motion.