The Diamond League is always filled with surprises, but the latest 400m race was a nail-biting spectacle that left fans on the edge of their seats. Marileidy Paulino’s, the reigning world and Olympic 400m champion victory, extended her undefeated season with a blistering win at Monaco. However, the real story was the fierce competition she faced from rising star Aaliyah Butler, who clocked a personal best, and the continued dominance of other contenders like Jamaica’s Nickisha Pryce. In this post, we break down the key moments from the race and explore what’s next for these incredible athletes, especially Paulino, as she aims for the 400m world record.
This vibrant video captures Dominican sprinter Marileidy Paulino in her electrifying win at the Monaco Diamond League. Through dynamic race footage and on-track interviews, it highlights her power, precision, and strategy as she outpaces elite rivals. You’ll see her explosive start, smooth acceleration, and jubilant celebration—showcasing both athletic skill and personality. In under 80 words, it’s a showcase of speed, determination, and pride in elite track competition.
The Monaco Showdown: A Victory for Paulino

In a race that was as much about speed as it was about strategy, Marileidy Paulino emerged victorious, crossing the finish line in an impressive 49.06 seconds. But what made this race so thrilling wasn’t just her performance—it was the way she fought for the win.
- Aaliyah Butler’s Personal Best: Butler, who was right alongside Paulino for most of the race, clocked an extraordinary personal best of 49.09 seconds. Though she finished second, her performance is a clear sign that she’s a rising star in the 400m field.
- Nickisha Pryce’s Strong Performance: Jamaica’s Nickisha Pryce rounded out the top three with a season’s best of 49.63 seconds. Her performance solidified her position as a key player in the women’s 400m event.
Marileidy Paulino: Aiming for the 400m World Record

While this victory adds to Paulino’s growing legacy, it’s clear that she’s not resting on her laurels. Her sights are firmly set on breaking the 400-meter World Record, a feat that has stood since 1985 when Marita Koch of East Germany ran an astonishing 47.60 seconds.
A Season of Consistency
Paulino’s 2025 season has been one of remarkable consistency. After a rare loss in her season opener at the Kingston Grand Slam Track, Paulino bounced back with a vengeance:
- Miami and Philadelphia Victories: Winning both the Miami and Philadelphia legs of the Diamond League, Paulino proved she was back in form.
- Paris Diamond League Performance: With a season’s best of 48.81 seconds, Paulino secured a commanding victory in Paris, showcasing her ongoing dominance in the 400m.
The Monaco Race: Conditions Set for Fast Times

Monaco, a city known for its fast times, once again provided the perfect setting for the race. Following this tradition, Paulino’s second Diamond League appearance of the season in Monaco lived up to expectations. Earlier that evening, the women’s 400m race kicked off right after an impressive performance by Femke Bol in the 400m hurdles, who set a world-leading and meeting record time of 51.95 seconds.
The Road Ahead
Looking forward, the competition in the women’s 400m field is only getting fiercer. As the countdown begins for the Tokyo World Championships, just two months away, it’s clear that athletes like Paulino, Butler, and Pryce are gearing up for an unforgettable showdown. As we saw in Monaco, Marileidy Paulino’s victory, relentless determination, and incredible speed make her a strong contender for the 400m world record, and undoubtedly, she’ll likely be the one to beat in Tokyo.
Why This Race Matters
This race was more than just a competition; it was a testament to the hard work and dedication that go into every second of these athletes’ performances. Marileidy Paulino’s victory serves as a reminder that greatness doesn’t come easily. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and continuously striving for improvement. Butler’s personal best also shows that there is a new generation of athletes ready to challenge the established stars, and the future of women’s athletics is looking brighter than ever.
Conclusion
As we look ahead to the Tokyo World Championships, the excitement is palpable. Will Marileidy Paulino break the 400-meter world record? Can Aaliyah Butler continue her upward trajectory and challenge the best in the world? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure—these athletes are shaping the future of track and field.
What Do You Think?
- Do you think Marileidy Paulino will break the 400-meter world record this season?
- How do you see Aaliyah Butler’s personal best impacting the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo?
We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
If you enjoyed this article and want to stay updated on all things athletics, make sure to follow us for more exciting news.







