“It is perhaps Muhammad who rises first down the back straight. It would be wonderful to see Dalilah Muhammad back on a Diamond League roster… she has left the rest of the athletes miles behind her.. Three hurdles left.. The former Olympic champion.. She’s done this event for so many years.. So dominant, so impressive.. She had to give ways to the likes of Femke Bol and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. But tonight, in Oslo, it is going to be a win for Dalilah Muhammad of the United States!!” The commentator couldn’t hide the thrill in his voice. And who could blame him? Watching 35-year-old Dalilah Muhammad claim victory in the women’s 400m hurdles at the Oslo Diamond League on June 12 was nothing short of electric. It wasn’t just a win—it was a reminder of her legacy.

No, it wasn’t easy. Not in an era where the event has been defined by the fierce rivalry between Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol since the Tokyo Olympics in 2021. Even the commentator acknowledged that shift. But for one radiant evening at Bislett Stadium, the spotlight returned to the champion who reigned before them both—Dalilah.

Crossing the line in 53.34 seconds, Muhammad secured her first Diamond League victory in three years. The time wasn’t just a season’s best for her—it vaulted her to third on the world-leading list in 2024. A statement. A comeback. And a moment. So, how did it feel to pull that off? “I felt good today,” Dalilah said with a quiet pride after the race. “I just want to kind of… I went a little easy, honestly, and then again, and really went for that last 200. That was the plan.” The plan worked. But not without its challenges.

“I feel like I’m educated. 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 masterclass in pacing, precision, and perseverance. Oslo didn’t just witness a win—they witnessed a legend reclaiming her space. And the legend has already set her next target. 

During the conversation, Dalilah Muhammad was asked about her preparation and main objective for the current season. The two-time Olympic gold medalist was candid in acknowledging the nature of her journey so far. “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 with confidence. While her indoor season didn’t unfold as expected, Dalilah made a strong comeback outdoors, delivering standout performances in both the 400m and 400m hurdles. At the Kingston Grand Slam Track meet, she pushed McLaughlin-Levrone to the limit, staying right on her heels and proving she’s still a top contender.

Up next for Muhammad is the Stockholm Diamond League, and she’s eager to hit the track again. But even as anticipation builds, there’s a bittersweet note for athletics fans, because with each race, we move closer to saying goodbye to one of the sport’s greatest hurdlers.

Dalilah Muhammad is going to put a line 

In April, before the Kingston Grand Slam Track contest, Dalilah Muhammad sat calmly between two fierce contemporaries: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, her Olympic successor and the current world record holder, and Jamaica’s Rushell Clayton. The setting was electric—but what Muhammad shared next brought a moment of stillness.

“It’s going to be it for me this year. I’m definitely going to,” she said decisively when asked how much longer she planned to compete. “I haven’t really made an announcement or publicly said it, but yeah—I think I’m one and done.” With that, the 35-year-old track legend gently opened the door to her farewell season—one last lap around a world she helped redefine.

Well, Dalilah Muhammad isn’t just a name in the history books; she reshaped them. A gold medalist at the Rio 2016 Olympics and silver medalist five years later in Tokyo, Muhammad also stood atop the podium in the women’s 4x400m relay in Japan, reminding the world of her range and resilience. At the World Championships, she struck gold twice in Doha in 2019—in both the 400m hurdles and the 4x400m relay—and added to her collection with silvers in Moscow (2013) and London (2017), plus a bronze from Eugene (2022).

Dominant in the Diamond League, Muhammad took back-to-back titles in 2017 and 2018, establishing herself as the queen of consistency on the professional circuit. But 2019 was the year that truly sealed her status as a legend. In July, she shattered a 16-year-old world record at the U.S. Championships, blazing through the 400m hurdles in 52.20 seconds. Then came Doha. In one of the most memorable races in track and field history, she lowered her own record with a jaw-dropping 52.16 to capture World Championship gold.

She’s since been surpassed by McLaughlin-Levrone and Bol in the all-time rankings, but Muhammad still holds a personal best of 51.58 seconds—making her the third-fastest woman in history over the distance. And now, as the curtain begins to close on her extraordinary career, Muhammad remains a symbol of grace, grit, and greatness. One final season. One final statement. But her legacy? That’s forever.