Felix sets personal best record to win 400m

American Allyson Felix clocked 49.26 seconds to win the women's 400m gold medal at the world athletics championships on Thursday.

It was the first world championship 400m title for Felix, and 49.26 seconds is the personal best record for the 29-year-old veteran.

The Los Angeles native used to run over 200 meters, getting three golds in world championships and one title at the London Olympics. She took home a silver over 200 meters seven years ago in the Bird's Nest.

Her 400m was also world class, getting herself a silver in the 2011 worlds.

"I wanted to challenge myself this year and I did and I'm happy I could be successful," said Felix after the victory.

As a 200m athlete, Felix is better at the first half lap. She pulled away from the very beginning, building an advantage in the first 200m which couldn't be challenged.

"It was my plan," said Felix. "I had to take advantage of my speed that I have and bring that to the 400m."

Felix took the third gold for the United States at the Beijing worlds, after Joe Kovacs and Christian Taylor.

Shaunae Miller of Bahamas claimed silver in 49.67.

"I feel so blessed and shocked," said Miller about her second silver at the worlds. "There was the high class company out there and all the girls showed amazing jobs."

49.67 seconds is also the personal best for Miller.

"To gain a silver in such a tough race, it's just unbelievable," said the 21-year-old.

Shericka Jackson of Jamaica took bronze in 49.99.

Source: XINHUA