The world of track and field is set to witness another electrifying performance as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning 400m hurdles world record holder and four-time Olympic champion, gears up for the 2024 Memorial Van Damme event in Brussels. Scheduled for September 13–14, this year’s edition of the prestigious meet holds special significance for the American star as she aims to close out her season with a rare and ambitious challenge: competing in both the 200m and 400m races.
What makes this outing particularly noteworthy is that neither of these races forms part of the official Diamond League program. Instead, the 200m and 400m events have been specially added to honor McLaughlin-Levrone’s extraordinary accomplishments on the track. Organizers wanted to celebrate her unforgettable 400m hurdles world record set in Paris, and fans in Brussels will now have the unique privilege of seeing her compete twice in two days.
McLaughlin-Levrone has chosen an unconventional but thrilling way to end her season. Despite being a dominant force in the 400m hurdles, she has only run sparingly in the flat 400m this year, making Friday’s race one of her most anticipated appearances of the season. Her previous 400m outing at the USATF New York City Grand Prix in June saw her blaze to an incredible time of 48.74 seconds, raising expectations that she could lower that mark or even challenge her personal best in Brussels.
The competition will not make it easy for her. Friday’s 400m event features a stacked field with Olympic medallists Stacey Ann Williams and Stephenie Ann McPherson both ready to test her form and speed. For McLaughlin-Levrone, this race is not just about the clock; it’s about proving once again that her dominance extends beyond her signature hurdles event into the flat sprints.
Saturday’s 200m exhibition will present another opportunity for her to shine, though it comes with its own set of challenges. She will face talented sprinters such as Tasa Jiya, Gina Bass, and Boglárka Takács in what promises to be a fiercely contested sprint showdown. Her season-best over the 200m stands at an impressive 22.07 seconds, recorded at the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix. With the form she has displayed this season, it would be no surprise if she edges even closer to or dips below that mark.
Speaking ahead of the event, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed her excitement and determination: “I am really looking forward to giving my best here on Friday and Saturday, and ending my season beautifully. And of course, I’ve also heard about Belgian delicacies like waffles and chocolate. I definitely want to taste those! But I am going to wait with that until after my races,” she said with a smile.
While the Memorial Van Damme event has always been a stage for world-class athletics, this year’s showcase of McLaughlin-Levrone’s talents brings an added layer of anticipation. Her decision to compete in both sprints not only highlights her versatility but also signals her commitment to continually push her own boundaries. Fans around the world will be watching closely to see if she can sign off her season with another set of dazzling performances — and perhaps even new personal bests.
Whether or not records fall in Brussels, one thing is certain: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone remains her own fiercest competitor, always striving to outdo herself. And as the lights shine on the Allianz Memorial Van Damme this weekend, all eyes will be on the American star to see just how far she can go.