Sydney McLaughlin, New Jersey’s high school hurdling sensation, became one of the youngest athletes to ever make the U.S. Olympic track and field team with a stunning performance in the women's 400-meter hurdles at Sunday's U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon.

The 16-year-old McLaughlin, who will be a senior at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains this fall, overcame a severe case of the nerves a few days ago to punch her ticket to Rio with a third-place finish as she smashed the World Junior record by stopping the clock at Hayward Field at 54.15.

McLaughlin, who didn't have her best start, came on strong over the final 200 meters and crossed the line just ahead of a diving Kori Carter (fourth in 54.47), to secure the third and final spot on the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team. The Olympic Games will be held next month in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

McLaughlin finished behind 2013 World silver medalist Dalilah Muhammad, who set a blistering pace on her way to a meet record and U.S. No. 5 all-time 52.88, and Ashley Spencer, second in 54.02.

McLaughlin's time of 54.15 shattered the World Junior record (under 20 years old) of 54.40 set in 2005 by Xing Wang of China, and places her No. 11 on the all-time U.S. list.

McLaughlin, who will turn 17 on Aug. 7, is the youngest person to make the U.S. Olympic track and field team since Carol Lewis of Willingboro (long jump) and Denean Howard (400) made the 1980 U.S. team, but neither competed in the Olympic Games in '80 because of the U.S. boycott. When McLaughlin runs in Rio, she will become the youngest U.S. track and field athlete to participate in the Olympic Games since 1972 when 15 year-old Cindy Gilbert competed in the high jump.

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McLaughlin was in disbelief over what she accomplished.

“Just hearing the word Olympics was a dream in the back of my mind,'' she said. "I was like, ‘Oh yeah I’m going to the Trials,’ but it’s not going to happen. It was never really on my radar, until ran 54. My season started off really rough with some injuries and some personal issues. It wasn’t looking good. But every Olympic athlete has two or three major struggles their Olympic year, and I definitely faced mine. This has to be the icing on the cake. Regardless of what happens in Rio, I made it here and I’m just so thankful for all of that.”

McLaughlin, who lives in Dunellen, said she almost didn't make it to the starting line for her opening round race on Thursday.

"I think the first day was definitely the hardest — coming up here, just the Trials, coming up here for the first time and running on this track, in this type of competition,'' said McLaughlin. "As the rounds went on it definitely got easier to manage the nerves and get used to the field, but it's a lot of mental preparation, and just keeping the negative thoughts out and trusting in the ability of what you've done so far. My coach (Mike McCabe) had a lot to do with that. I had a mental breakdown my first day, and without them I wouldn't have stepped on the line."

Where did the self doubt come from?

"It was me doubting everything I'd done so far this season, not understanding that I've worked to get where I am and that I deserved to be here. And just thinking, 'I'm 16 and these girls are all professionals.' I definitely had a moment where I didn't think I could do it, and they told me, 'You're getting on the line and running this race'. That put me where I am today."

McLaughlin's older competitors were very impressed with her.

“She is a beast,'' said Carter. "She’s the truth. I was in every single heat with her and she carries herself like a pro and I know she will represent the USA amazingly.''

Muhamamed was asked what she was doing when she was 16.

"I was a junior in high school,'' she sad. "I just won World Youth that year, but I ran 57 seconds, not 54."

McLaughlin was relieved when she crossed the line.

"I just wanted to get this out of the way,'' she said. "It's been a very long year, and the Trials is stressful. My mind was on finishing the race and eating a cheeseburger."

What will McLaughlin do between now her opening round race in Rio (Aug. 15)?

McLaughlin is scheduled to run the 400 hurdles at the World Junior Championships later this month in Poland, but those plans could change now.

McLaughlin is the second athlete from Union Catholic to make an Olympic Team. Kris Kirchner, a 1977 graduate of Union Catholic, made the 1980 U.S. Olympic women's basketball team.