The impossible has just happened. The queen, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, has been dethroned from her position! Now, this is a statement that you do not usually hear every day in the track and field realm. So when an athlete does manage to pull off this feat, it is evident that they are bound for great things. And a look at this athlete will reveal that she has quite the pedigree. This 27-year-old sprinter from America has won a couple of medals in the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru. But her biggest highlight came in the Paris Olympics 2024, when she won a silver medal in the 400m hurdles. And who did she finish behind? Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.
So, who is this latest track and field phenom? Well, it’s none other than Anna Cockrell. Her latest antics came when she took the tracks by storm at the John McDonnell Invitational 2025. Competing in the 300m hurdles category, Cockrell was the favorite to win the race. But how she won took everybody by surprise. Dropping a time of 38.07s, Cockrell took the gold.
The expanse of her run could be fathomed by taking a look at the timings of her opponents. As Cockrell was quick off the blocks, she dominated the race from start to finish without slowing down even once. Obliterating her competitors, the second-placed Andrenette Knight clocked 38.65s, while the third-placed Saira Prince could muster 39.63s. With this performance, Cockrell has dethroned Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Cockrell has now become the fastest American female in the 300m hurdles category.
Anna Cockrell 38.07 300mH
Moves ahead of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone for the fastest American of all-time and second-fastest in world history behind Femke Bol’s 36.86.pic.twitter.com/M0BChD0FdT
— Travis Miller (@travismillerx13) April 25, 2025
Previously, it was Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone who held the record. Back in 2017, McLaughlin-Levrone clocked 38.90s to become the fastest American. However, this was not all. Cockrell now sits in the second position in world history. The only person standing in her way is Femke Bol, who has a blitzkrieg timing of 36.86 seconds to beat! Thus, with such a strong showing, it is expected that the clash of Cockrell and McLaughlin-Levrone will be an intense battle to follow this season. However, ahead of the new season, McLaughlin-Levrone has some interesting thoughts to share.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone walked in faith as she set sights on a historic 2025 season
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set the tone for her 2025 season with a message full of faith, strength, and purpose. As she geared up for another dominant year on the track, the 400m hurdles world record holder reminded fans that her journey was deeply rooted in walking “in a manner worthy of the calling to which you’ve been called.”
In an inspiring Instagram post, the Olympic champion stated, “Walk with grace, though the path is narrow, even when peace seems far no matter the distance to go.” She further emphasized the importance of inner strength, urging, “Though the flesh is weak keep walking in his will not by your own strength.” The 25-year-old, fresh off her second Olympic gold and sixth world record-breaking performance, appeared more focused than ever as she stepped into a season where breaking the historic 50-second barrier remained within reach.
Adding a personal touch, Sydney also shared a heartwarming childhood photo standing on a football field, a nod to her early athletic roots. As she continued preparations, her words served as a powerful reminder. McLaughlin-Levrone mentioned, “Fix your eyes ahead… keep walking in faith. Walk with grace.” With her unwavering mindset, fans expected the American star to deliver more history-making performances in 2025.
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