Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone had a memorable run in 2018—a season that marked the birth of a generational talent. Representing the University of Kentucky for just one collegiate track season, McLaughlin swept the NCAA and SEC titles in the 400-meter hurdles. But what truly etched her name into the history books was a blistering 52.75-second run, a collegiate record that not only stood as a national benchmark but also served as a prelude to the world-shaking dominance she would later unleash. That same summer, she turned professional, and the rest, as they say, is legend: Olympic gold in Tokyo, world records, and global stardom. But on June 14, that very time, so long untouchable, finally met its match.
In one of the most electric performances of this year’s NCAA Championships, Michigan’s Savannah Sutherland stepped onto the track and did the unthinkable. Powering through the final curve and attacking the home stretch with fierce precision, Sutherland clocked an astonishing 52.46 seconds in the women’s 400-meter hurdles—obliterating McLaughlin-Levrone’s seven-year-old collegiate record. And the achievements didn’t stop there.
At just 21 years old, Sutherland didn’t just take down a legend’s mark—she tied Femke Bol for the second-fastest time in the world this year. Her run also set a new Canadian national record and earned her the ninth spot on the all-time world list for the event. As the crowd roared and the cameras zoomed in, a commentator captured the moment in real time, exclaiming, “She’s absolutely flying in the home stretch,” as Sutherland crossed the line a staggering 2.2 seconds ahead of her nearest competitor.
52.46s!!
NCAA Record
National Record
Savannah Sutherland (Michigan) breaks the NCAA Record in the women’s 400mH at the NCAA Champs in a massive PB of 52.46s!!
She becomes the 9th fastest woman in history, taking down the record set by Sydney McLaughlin (52.75). pic.twitter.com/YbGl1C8yMU
— Track & Field Gazette (@TrackGazette) June 15, 2025
Track and field journalists were equally stunned. Jonathan Gault took to X to reflect on the gravity of the moment: “When Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set her collegiate record in the 400 hurdles in 2018, I expected it to stand for a decade-plus. It’s gone.” Gone indeed—thanks to the brilliance of Savannah Sutherland.
The report is developing…
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