In a surprising and unfortunate turn of events, Olympic and World Champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has withdrawn from the 2025 Ed Murphey Classic due to illness. The announcement came just hours before she was scheduled to compete at the highly anticipated meet, which showcases top-tier track and field talent from across the globe in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee.
Regarded as one of the sport’s most dominant and electrifying athletes, McLaughlin-Levrone was expected to be a major highlight of the evening’s program. Her absence leaves a noticeable void in the competition, especially for fans who were eager to witness her grace the track in person at the Billy J. Murphy Soccer and Track Complex on the University of Memphis campus.
According to a statement released by the Ed Murphey Classic organizers, McLaughlin-Levrone is currently battling a high fever. After discussions with her team, the decision was made to withdraw from the meet in order to prioritize her recovery and maintain focus on the rest of her 2025 season.
“I’m disappointed to have to withdraw from the Ed Murphey Classic,” McLaughlin-Levrone said in a heartfelt message to fans. “I was eager to get on the line, compete in front of the amazing Memphis fans, and make a real statement as we head toward the heart of the season. I’ve been training hard and was ready to go, which makes this all the more frustrating. Thank you to the meet organizers for all they do to elevate our sport, and to the fans for always showing love. Wishing all the athletes the best—I’ll be watching and cheering you on from home.”
This decision, while disappointing to her supporters, reflects McLaughlin-Levrone’s long-term goals and focus on remaining healthy for the 2025 Toyota USATF Outdoor & Para National Championships, scheduled for July 31 through August 3. This event serves as the official qualifier for the 2025 World Athletics Championships later this year in Tokyo, Japan—an international stage where McLaughlin-Levrone has previously captured gold and set world records.
Her withdrawal is a reminder of the unpredictable nature of sports, where even the most elite athletes must sometimes step back for the sake of their health. Nevertheless, her dedication to the sport and her fans remains clear in her message of gratitude and encouragement to fellow competitors.
The Ed Murphey Classic, however, will go on with a full lineup of exciting events, featuring world-class talent from around the globe. The meet runs from 3:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. on Saturday, July 12, with the main program starting at 6:15 p.m. Fans can still expect a thrilling evening of competition, including elite sprinting, distance running, and field events. General admission tickets are $15 and available at the gate or online at edmurpheyclassic.com.
While McLaughlin-Levrone’s absence will be felt, her commitment to her health and long-term success is admirable. She leaves behind a message of resilience, reminding fans and athletes alike that setbacks are temporary—and greatness is often built in how we respond to them.