The buildup to the event was very hectic, as world leader Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone withdrew just a few weeks before the championships started, citing a minor knee injury.

Defending champion and #6 all-time Shaunae Miller-Uibo was not back in full form, as she returned to the track just four months after giving birth to her first child.

Another big name that failed to make it to the semi-final round was world number three Britton Wilson, who finished last in her opening heat.

When Paulino hit the 100 metre start line, she had a step on Klaver and two more on her next pursuers Williams, Rhasidat Adeleke and Kaczmarek.

Down the stretch, Klaver was gritting her teeth but was moving backwards relative to Kaczmarek, Adeleke and Williams, but Paulino was so far this was clearly a battle just for silver.