Dalilah Muhammad is reconsidering her retirement plans after finishing seventh in the women’s 400m hurdles at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. The former world record holder had previously announced that 2025 would be her final season, with the championships marking her farewell. However, her latest remarks suggest she may extend her career for one more season.
Clocking 54.82 seconds in the final, Muhammad missed the podium, a result that left her reflecting on her career and her future. Going into the race, she had hoped to contend for a medal, but discomfort at the start forced her to take a more cautious approach. Although she knew that holding back would affect her chances of reclaiming a title or winning a medal, she prioritized her health over pushing beyond her limits.
After the race, Muhammad admitted that she still feels she has more to give to the sport. She explained that injuries have made her question her timeline, and while she had planned to retire this year, her perspective has shifted. “Plans change,” she said, hinting that the decision will come after careful consultation with her team.
Reflecting on her achievements, Muhammad expressed pride in her journey, noting how much she has contributed to the evolution of the 400m hurdles. Her career highlights include world championship silvers in 2013 and 2017, double gold in 2019 in both the 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay, and a bronze in 2022. She also boasts an impressive Olympic record, having claimed silver in the 400m hurdles at Rio 2016, gold in the 4x400m relay, and silver again in the 400m hurdles at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Games.
Despite the disappointment in Tokyo, Muhammad emphasized that her career has already left a lasting mark. She remains proud of setting world records, winning multiple global titles, and inspiring the next generation of hurdlers. Still, she admitted that the competitive fire in her makes it difficult to walk away, even as she balances the physical demands of the sport.
As the athletics world awaits her final decision, one thing is clear: Dalilah Muhammad’s legacy in the 400m hurdles is secure, whether she chooses to retire now or continue for one more season.
