Man that stat given by Anderson on the international feed was absurd. SML's 400mH PR is faster than the entire fields 400m FLAT PR? I mean I'm sorry but that is really weak for an Olympic semi - objectively.
I think the depth of talent in this event is just historically poor - really it's been 400m runners not fast enough to compete that have just populated the event.
Now we have arguably the worlds two best 400m flat runners in Femke and SML both doing the hurdles....
It's pretty much always been a repository for women who are off their primes or were never that fast in the flat. Right now it might actually be in a better place than ever, even when you discount McLaughlin and Bol. There's more actual speed than there usually is - the others just don't have the technique to maximize it.
Dalilah Muhammad is to thank for starting the mini-renaissance it's experiencing now, IMO. McLaughlin and Bol get the headlines, but Muhammad got the ball rolling.
As much strength and speed Bol carries over the final 200m, I think SML will be far ahead over the early phase of the race and won by half a second at least
Bol's great SML is just that rare true genetic gift (and sadly is painfully aware of it her self I don't like her tbh but I cannot deny her ability)