The women's 400 metres hurdles at the 2008 Summer Olympics took place on 17–20 August at the Beijing National Stadium.
The qualifying standards were 55.60 s (A standard) and 56.50 s (B standard).
Schedule
All times are China Standard Time (UTC+8)
Records
Prior to this competition, the existing world and Olympic records were as follows:
The following new Olympic record was set during this competition.
Results
Round 1
The first three runners of each heat (Q) plus the next four overall fastest runners (q) qualified for the Semifinals.
Semifinals
Qualification: First 4 in each heat (Q) advance to the Final.
Final
(OR = Olympic record; NR = National Record; PB = Personal Best; SB = Season Best.)