August 2, 2025. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone clocked in at 48.9 seconds in the 400m women’s final at the U.S. Track and Field Championships. But she still needs to get faster. Well, she did manage to get a tad bit faster than her previous self. McLaughlin-Levrone finished in 50.32 seconds at the Grand Slam Track in April, and then clocked in at 49.69 in May. She won the Prefontaine Classic in July with a finish time of 49.93. But that’s still not enough. Even her personal best at Hayward Field in 2023, completing 400m in only 48.74, wasn’t enough for her. And the reason pointed to the 17-year-old record set by Sanya Richards-Ross. But can McLaughlin-Levrone beat the record this season in Tokyo?
During a conversation with the Canadian Olympic gold medalist, Aaron Brown, CBC Sports representative, Perdita Felicien, commended McLaughen-Levrone for her latest win. However, the talk of the town is not her victory. The track and field world is busy talking about her missing out on breaking Richards-Ross’s 2006 record. She’s just two-tenths of a second behind Richards-Ross. But the questions still remained unanswered. Felicien asked Brown, “So, in your mind, is it just a matter of time? Will she do it this season? Must she do it this season?”
The Canadian was pretty optimistic about McLaughlin-Levrone’s stance. She’s currently aiming to claim the world title in Tokyo. But for that, she’d have to dominate the track against Salwa Eid Naser and Marileidy Paulino. The fans have already taken their stance against the U.S. Track and Field Championships 400m winner. Fans have put Paulino and Naser ahead of her. But Brown had a different opinion.
He said, “I believe so. And if she wants a chance of winning that title in Tokyo in the 400m, mixing up with the likes of Naser and Marileidy Paulino, she’s gonna have to break that record. She’s been very close. She’s run 48.7 a couple of times, and been on the cusp of it, 48.9, in the USA Championships this time. I just want her to get the record so we can stop talking about it and move on to what the main courses, which is her versus other ladies that I mentioned, mixing it up in Tokyo.”
Grand Slam Track In Philadelphia – Day Two PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES JUNE 1: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone of the United States is seen after finishing the Women s 100 Meters, part of the Women s Short Hurdles group, on Day Two of the Grand Slam Track Series at Franklin Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, on June 1, 2025. Philadelphia United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xSTRx originalFilename:str-grandsla250601_np2ly.jpg
Of course, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone knows the kind of speed she needs in order to beat the 400m record. But McLaughlin-Levrone is still optimistic as she continues to chase the 400m American record.
What does Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone have to say about breaking Sanya Richards-Ross’ 17YO record?
Talking about the 400m world, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone knew pretty well that it’s nothing but a competitive world. And with that competition came a sense of respect for her fellow athletes. 2nd August marked the first time for her to clock below 49 seconds since the USATF’s NYC Grand Prix in 2024. But her aim hasn’t changed yet. She’s still focused on breaking the American 400m record.
Following her recent win, McLaughlin-Levrone said, “I think everyone talks about the American record, of course. That’s gonna come when it’s supposed to come. I think this year, and this event, has taught me patience. I think I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned a lot about the 400. But ultimately, every day it’s stepping on the track, being the best I can be, figuring out a race that is very foreign to me, and taking on new challenges and being comfortable doing it.”
That’s the reason why she didn’t participate in the 400m hurdles, even though she won an Olympic gold in the sport. Right now, McLaughlin-Levrone looks at the 400m American record as a challenge. She said, “It’s not as comfortable for us, but I want to challenge myself. I felt like this year, I wanted to step out of the box and really push myself in a different way. So, obviously, it’s uncomfortable, but I wanted to commit to it and I’m committed to it. Just excited to see where I can push myself.” Now, all we need to see is if Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone can actually beat Richards-Ross’s record time of 48.70 seconds at the Tokyo World Cup.
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