Marileidy Paulino wins women's 400m Diamond League title as Salwa Eid Naser faces disqualification

Olympics 400m champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic solidified her reign as the queen of the 400m securing another resounding victory in the Brussels Diamond League Final on Friday night.

In a fierce race against a top-tier field that included her Olympic silver-medallist rival Salwa Eid Naser, Paulino demonstrated her world-class prowess clocking an impressive 49.45 seconds to claim the title and the coveted $30,000 (approx Sh3.8 million) prize.

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Paulino once again showed why she remains the dominant force in the 400m as her strategic race execution and impeccable control in the final meters left her competitors in the dust reaffirming her position at the pinnacle of the sport.

Chasing Paulino was the USA’s rising star Alexis Holmes who delivered a performance that marked a personal achievement for her.

Holmes, known for her endurance and strength in the second half of the race, finished as the runner-up with a commendable time of 50.32 seconds.

Her impressive showing in such a prestigious event confirms her growing status as a major contender in the 400m on the global stage.

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Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain, the 2019 World Champion and Paulino’s long-standing rival, finished third with a time of 50.64 seconds but was later disqualified lane infringements

Though Naser has been a significant figure in the 400m for several years, Friday’s race was another testament to Paulino’s current dominance.

Despite a strong performance, Naser could not find the extra gear needed to overtake her rival, who has gotten the better of her on multiple occasions this season.

Naser, who secured the silver medal behind Paulino at the Paris Olympics, will undoubtedly be looking to bounce back in their next encounter.

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In fourth place was Ireland’s promising young star Rhasidat Adeleke, who crossed the line in 50.96 seconds.

Adeleke, a rising name in the 400m, continues to impress at the international level, showcasing her potential as a future contender for podium finishes.

Her consistent improvement and fearless racing style indicate that she is one to watch as the world heads towards the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Japan.

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Lynna Irby-Jackson of the USA took fifth place, finishing with a time of 51.50 seconds. Though it was not her best performance of the season, Irby-Jackson displayed solid race management and resilience against a world-class field.

Sixth place was secured by Lieke Klaver of the Netherlands, who finished in 51.69 seconds. Known for her consistency in the European circuit, Klaver is also a key figure in relay events. However, she was unable to match the pace of the frontrunners on this occasion.

France’s Amandine Brossier, a consistent performer at European championships, finished seventh with a time of 51.94 seconds, while Barbados’ Sada Williams rounded out the field in eighth place with a time of 52.68 seconds. Williams, who has had a strong season, struggled to find her rhythm in the race but remains a top competitor from the Caribbean.

With her victory in Brussels, Paulino not only claimed the biggest prize purse of the Diamond League circuit but also earned a wildcard spot for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Japan.

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Her consistent dominance over Naser this season, having defeated her in multiple head-to-head races—including the Paris Diamond League and the Silesia meet—further cements her status as the world’s top 400m runner.