women in sports

Marileidy Paulino smashes Diamond League record with stunning 48.48 run in Paris


The Dominican Olympic and world champion produced one of the fastest performances of her career


© Getty Images
Shirley GomezSenior Writer
JUNE 29, 2026 4:39 PM EDT

Marileidy Paulino continues to redefine greatness in the women's 400 meters. The Dominican Olympic and world champion produced one of the fastest performances of her career, clocking a sensational 48.48 seconds to win the women's 400 meters at the Paris Diamond League on June 28.

The remarkable run not only secured victory but also shattered the previous Diamond League record and established a new meeting record. It also stands as the fastest women's 400-meter time in the world this season, confirming that Paulino remains the athlete to beat as the international athletics calendar moves toward the biggest championships of the year.

First-placed Dominican Republic's Marileidy Paulino celebrates as she crosses the finish line to win the women's 400m during the IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting© AFP via Getty Images
First-placed Dominican Republic's Marileidy Paulino celebrates as she crosses the finish line to win the women's 400m during the IAAF Diamond League athletics meeting

Another Historic Performance for the Dominican Star

From the moment the starting gun fired, Paulino looked completely in control. Running with her trademark smooth stride and powerful finish, she quickly separated herself from the field before crossing the finish line in 48.48 seconds.

The performance improved on her previous season-best and continued an impressive stretch that has seen her dominate the Diamond League circuit. Just days earlier, Paulino had already broken the Doha meeting record with a 48.91-second performance, signaling that she was building toward even faster times.

The Dominican Olympic and world champion produced one of the fastest performances of her career© Getty Images
The Dominican Olympic and world champion produced one of the fastest performances of her career

Now, with 48.48 on the clock, she has once again demonstrated why she is considered one of the greatest 400-meter runners in the world.

Diamond League Records Fall in Paris

Paulino was not the only athlete making history during an unforgettable evening in Paris.

The meet featured three Diamond League records, making it one of the most memorable stops of the 2026 season. Botswana's Busang Collen Kebinatshipi set a new men's 400-meter Diamond League record with 43.54 seconds, while Switzerland's Audrey Werro rewrote the women's 800-meter record with an outstanding 1:53.80.

Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic celebrates winning the race and setting a meeting record in the women's 400m during the Meeting of Paris© NurPhoto via Getty Images
Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic celebrates winning the race and setting a meeting record in the women's 400m during the Meeting of Paris

Paulino's victory completed a historic night of elite performances and highlighted the exceptional level of competition across multiple events.

Building Momentum Toward the Championship Season

Paulino's latest victory adds even more confidence heading into the remainder of the outdoor season. The Olympic champion has consistently delivered under pressure throughout her career, collecting Olympic gold, world championship titles, and multiple Diamond League victories.

Her latest world-leading time also sends a clear message to her rivals. Every race this season has shown steady improvement, suggesting she is peaking at exactly the right moment. If her current form continues, fans could see even faster performances before the season concludes.

If her current form continues, fans could see even faster performances before the season concludes.© Getty Images
If her current form continues, fans could see even faster performances before the season concludes.

Paulino has become one of the Dominican Republic's greatest sporting icons. Her success has inspired a new generation of athletes while raising the profile of Dominican athletics on the global stage.

Breaking another prestigious record adds another milestone to an already remarkable résumé. Her performance in Paris proved once again that records are made to be broken, especially when Marileidy Paulino is on the track.