Marileidy Paulino advances to 400m semifinals at 2025 World Athletics Championships

Tokyo, Japan.- Dominican sprinter Marileidy Paulino opened her 400-meter world title defense with a convincing performance on Sunday in Tokyo, winning her heat in 49.85 seconds. The reigning champion eased up in the final meters, yet still secured her place in the semifinals.

Her main challengers also advanced with strong times. American Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone clocked 49.41 seconds, while Bahraini runner Salwa Eid Naser posted the fastest mark of the round with 49.13. Both are expected to be Paulino’s toughest rivals in the battle for the gold.

Paulino’s return to the National Stadium carries special significance, as it was the venue where she rose to international prominence during the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, winning silver in both the 400 meters and the 4×400 mixed relay. Her opening race reinforced expectations that she remains in top form to defend her crown.

In the men’s competition, Dominican sprinter Alexander Ogando was eliminated after finishing seventh in his 400-meter heat with a time of 45.59 seconds, cutting short his hopes of advancing further in the championship.