Track Star Sydney McLaughlin Qualifies for Women's 400m Hurdles Semifinals in Rio

Sydney McLaughlin competes during the Women’s 400m Hurdles Heat during the 2016 Rio Summer Olympics at the Olympic Stadium on Monday (August 15) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The 17-year-old New Jersey native finished fifth in her heat at 56.32 seconds, qualifying her for the semifinals.

“It’s exciting to be here, but it’s also a little intimidating,” Sydney said (via NJ.com). “A lot of people have done this before and are more experienced to me, but just to be here at my age representing my country is amazing.”