Local Olympic Spotlight: Bayside, NY Native Dalilah Muhammad Has Chance at History in Rio

Dalilah Muhammad

No U.S. woman has ever won a gold medal in the 400m hurdles, but that will more than likely change when Dalilah Muhammad steps on the track in Rio.

She was able to secure her spot on the American Olympic team when she won the 400m hurdle race at the U.S. Olympic Trials, but her victory was overshadowed by the qualification of 16-year old Sydney McLaughlin. However, all eyes should be on Muhammad as she tries to make American history in the upcoming Olympics. The qualification came in her second trials, after she failed to even make the final as a 22-year old in 2012.

Among her impressive list of accomplishments include a silver medal in the world championships in 2013, gold in the 2007 Youth Olympics, as well as earning a bronze medal in the 2009 NCAA outdoor championships.

Holder of the best time this year, Muhammad has been rolling over competition this season, and is looking to put herself on top of the sport with a victory in Rio. While no one has been better this year, and the Russians are out of the race, the gold medal still isn’t a sure thing. Fellow American teammate Ashley Spencer could give her a run for her money.

But her biggest threats will come from Janieve Russell of Jamaica, and Eilidh Doyle of Great Britain. Despite the outside threats, Muhammad remains the favorite to win gold in Rio, as long as she can replicate her success that she has had so far this season.

Muhammad currently resides in Bayside, New York, where she attended Benjamin N. Cardozo High School. In 2007 in high school, she was named the New York Gatorade Female Athlete of the Year. She is coached by Yolanda Demus, the mother of American record holder and Olympic silver medalist Lashinda Demus.