Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the queen of the 400m hurdles, has her eyes on a new prize: the 400m flat American record of 48.70, set by Sanya Richards-Ross back in 2006. As a four-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time world record holder in the hurdles, Sydney’s shift to the open 400m feels like a natural flex of her freakish talent.
She’s been vocal about her vision. Sydney said on Ready Set Go, “The records come when they come… we are working to get faster in the 400, we’re working to get faster in the hurdles.” But she’s quick to add a dose of reality: “The timing hasn’t been right—there’s always been something off, whether it’s the weather or even just a little bit of training.” Patience, she insists, is key. Yet, fans know, even the brightest stars face bumps on the track. So, how’s her chase for 48.70 going?
Well, Sydney’s vision soon hit a reality check this season. At the 2025 Prefontaine Classic, she clocked a 49.43 in the 400m, a solid time but not the record-breaking performance she craved. She wasn’t thrilled, “Disappointment. I just know that I’m more fit than that. So, it’s just about executing and putting our race together”, admitting post-race that her execution felt off, despite battling a stacked field including Aaliyah Butler and Alexis Holmes.
That 49.43 was a far cry from her 2023 near-miss of 48.74 at the U.S. Championships, where she came agonizingly close, just 0.04 seconds, to Richards-Ross’s mark. Sydney’s been learning the 400m flat, a beast different from her hurdle rhythm, and it’s clear she’s still adjusting. But can she fine-tune her approach in time?
Then came another setback: her no-show at the Ed Murphey Classic. Fans were hyped to see her take another crack at the 400m, a race meant to guide her event choice for the USATF National Championships. Instead, Sydney withdrew, citing sickness.
Credit: Instagram/ Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
“Since traveling back from Prefontaine I have been dealing with sickness. My hope was it would improve enough to run today, unfortunately it did not! … Out of respect for fans … I just wanted to update you all!”, she wrote on her Instagram handle. Her absence left us wondering, but it’s classic Sydney, strategic, never rushing. Earlier this year, she ran 50.32 in Kingston and 49.69 in Miami, showing consistency but not the record-breaking spark. What’s holding her back?
Despite these hiccups, Sydney’s journey is far from over. Her versatility, dabbling in the 100m, 200m, and hurdles, makes her a track unicorn. What’s next for her?
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set for London Diamond League comeback after illness scare
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is officially back on the start list for the London Diamond League, set for Saturday, July 19, 2025, at London Stadium. The 400m hurdles world record holder is expected to return to action after withdrawing from the Ed Murphey Classic earlier this month due to a high fever. Now, London offers a much-anticipated return to the Diamond League circuit.
The race will mark her first Diamond League hurdles appearance this season, following a flat 400m win at the Prefontaine Classic in 49.43 seconds, her season best. That victory came with self-critique: “I just know I’m more fit than that,” she said post-race, underlining her relentless drive for perfection. With the 2025 World Championships looming, the London meet is key to sharpening her competitive edge.
But who’s lined up alongside her in London? With Femke Bol riding high on a 28-race winning streak and holding the world lead at 51.95s, the stage is set for a classic showdown. Will McLaughlin-Levrone reclaim the top spot in her signature event, or will Bol extend her dominance?
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