Natalia Kaczmarek has set a new Polish record in the 400 meters. The 26-year-old athlete from Podlasie Białystok continues to break barriers, setting the fastest time by a European woman in the 21st century. Earlier in June, she broke Irena Szewińska’s long-standing record with a time of 48.98 seconds at the European Championships final. However, this achievement lasted just over a month.
Historic Performance in London
Kaczmarek improved her record at the Diamond League meeting in London during her final pre-Olympic attempt. Though she did not win the race, she once again broke the 49-second barrier, clocking a historic 48.90 seconds. This performance is the best by a European woman in nearly three decades. The last time a European woman ran this fast was in 1996, when France’s Marie-Jose Perec won Olympic gold with a time of 48.25 seconds.
Kaczmarek’s remarkable form strengthens her position as a medal contender for the Paris Olympics. She ranks third on the world list, behind Jamaica’s Nickisha Pryce (48.57) and American Sydney McLaughlin (48.75). However, McLaughlin will compete only in the 400-meter hurdles at the Olympics.