McLaughlin moves ahead of fellow freshman Irby

By Erik Boal, DyeStat Editor

A collegiate freshman still stands atop the world rankings in the women's indoor 400 meters.

Only now it is Kentucky star Sydney McLaughlin, instead of Georgia standout Lynna Irby.

After Irby clocked 51.48 seconds Jan. 27 to win the Razorback Invitational, McLaughlin responded by delivering an impressive performance on her home track Saturday to win the 400 in 51.44 at the Rod McCravy Memorial.

The top four 400 performances in the world this year have come from NCAA Division 1 stars, including three from the Southeastern Conference and two by freshmen.

McLaughlin entered the weekend with the world lead in the indoor 300, only to have Bahamian star Shaunae Miller-Uibo equal the world all-time best by clocking 35.45 at the 111th NYRR Millrose Games.

McLaughlin, whose previous-best indoor 400 performance was 51.61 at last year's New Balance Nationals Indoor, improved on her No. 3 all-time U20 ranking. She still trails Sanya Richards-Ross' record of 50.82 and Miller-Uibo at 50.88.

Kentucky junior Olivia Gruver improved on her college-leading women's pole vault by clearing 15-3 (4.65m), elevating to the No. 8 performer in the world this year.

Gruver ascended to No. 3 on the all-time collegiate indoor list, trailing only Demi Payne and Sandi Morris. Payne set the collegiate record of 15-7 (4.75m) in 2015 and Morris cleared 15-3.50 (4.66m) in the same year.

Kentucky junior Marie-Josee Ebwea-Bile improved to No. 2 among collegiate performers this year and 17th in the world with her 45-1.75 (13.76m) triple jump, moving just ahead of UCLA's Jessie Maduka at 45-1 (13.74m).