Sydney McLaughlin already has a world record at 21. Now she wants Olympic gold

The American placed fifth in the 400m hurdles in Rio, but she's poised to finish on the podium five years later

Given its unique demands on technique, endurance, and speed, many consider the 400m hurdles one of the most challenging track and field events. After exploding out of the starting blocks, athletes must sprint 400m while propelling themselves up and over 10 hurdles positioned evenly around the track.

At 21 years old, Sydney McLaughlin is already the fastest woman in the history of the event as she begins her Olympic campaign on Saturday morning in Tokyo.