400m World Record in Sight: Shaunae Miller-Uibo Sets Bold Goals for LA 2028
Two-time Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo aims to break the 400m world record and eyes a historic third gold for LA 2028.
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Shaunae Miller-Uibo has sent a clear message to the athletics world: she is not done making history. The 32-year-old Bahamian star has set her sights on the elusive women’s 400m world record as she begins her journey toward the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Speaking at a press conference in New Delhi, where she is serving as the International Event Ambassador for the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon (VDHM) 2026, Miller-Uibo expressed her desire to tackle the record held by former German athlete Marita Koch. Koch’s legendary time of 47.60 seconds has stood since 1985, remaining one of the most enduring marks in track and field.
Chasing History and the World Record
Having already conquered every major title available in the 400m, Miller-Uibo believes the time is right for a new challenge. She noted that recent performances by other women dipping under 48 seconds have proven that the world record is within reach.
“I have won every title there is in the 400m, so for me it is now about setting new goals. I would love to give the world record a crack,” she stated. “If we keep racing each other, I think we can push each other towards it.”
The Road to LA 2028: One Event, Two Possibilities
As she looks toward the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, the champion has decided to focus her energy on a single event, though the specific race remains undecided. She is currently weighing two distinct paths:
- The 400m: Attempting to become the first woman in history to win three Olympic gold medals in the 400m.
- The 200m: Pursuing an Olympic medal in a distance she has always wanted to conquer.
A Mother's Comeback
Miller-Uibo's journey back to peak fitness has been a personal one. After welcoming her son in 2023 and her daughter in 2025, she spent the current season rebuilding her speed in Nassau under the guidance of her father's coaching. She admitted that the transition required significant patience, as she couldn't simply return to her previous form overnight.
However, she revealed that the speed has returned and that motherhood has provided her with a renewed sense of purpose. She expressed a desire to inspire her children by showing them her achievements in the sport.
Supporting the Delhi Half Marathon
During her first visit to India, Miller-Uibo praised the spirit of the 21st edition of the World Athletics Gold Label Road Race. With over 41,000 participants expected to start from the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on Sunday, October 18, 2026, she highlighted the event's ability to unite people and support various causes.
She specifically encouraged the growing number of female participants, hoping the race would inspire more women to pursue their own goals. Interestingly, the sprint champion also revealed that running a full marathon is on her long-term bucket list for after she retires from professional sprinting.
Advice for Indian Athletes
Addressing the aspiring athletes in India, Miller-Uibo shared a message of resilience. She reminded them that injuries and setbacks are part of the journey, noting that a setback can often be the catalyst for a great comeback. She urged them to keep working hard, enjoy the process, and maintain belief in their training.
Shaunae Miller-Uibo's legacy is already secure; she is only the second woman, after France’s Marie-Jose Perec, to successfully defend an Olympic 400m title, having won gold at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020, followed by a world title in Eugene in 2022.