By Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY
EUGENE, OREGON – In a stunning display of speed, endurance, and competitive spirit, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone delivered one of the most talked-about performances at the U.S. Track and Field Championships. In what is arguably one of the boldest moves of the season, the Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 400m hurdles made the strategic decision to compete in the open 400m — and the results have been nothing short of spectacular.
McLaughlin-Levrone dominated the women’s 400m final, clocking a blistering 48.90 seconds to win the gold medal. Not only was it a personal season-best, but her time also came dangerously close to breaking the American record of 48.70 set by Sanya Richards-Ross in 2006. The performance confirmed what fans and analysts already suspected — McLaughlin-Levrone is a once-in-a-generation athlete capable of redefining excellence across multiple track disciplines.
With no hurdles in her way, McLaughlin-Levrone still found herself rising above the competition — literally and figuratively. She established a commanding lead early in the race and maintained it through the final 100 meters, finishing well ahead of the rest of the field. Her smooth, effortless stride down the home stretch was a sight to behold for the thousands in attendance and the millions watching from home.
Reflecting on her race and her decision to shift focus this season, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed a deep sense of purpose and ambition.
> “I wanted to challenge myself,” she said after the race. “I felt like this is the year I wanted to step out of the box and really push myself in a different way.”
That desire for a new challenge prompted her to trade in the hurdles — where she has long been dominant — for the open 400, a race that demands raw speed, stamina, and mental toughness. So far, the gamble has paid off. Her time of 48.90 makes her one of the fastest women in the world this year and cements her status as a favorite heading into the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
Joining McLaughlin-Levrone on Team USA in the 400m will be Isabella Whittaker and Aaliyah Butler, both of whom also put up impressive performances. Whittaker secured second place with a time of 49.59 seconds, while Butler came in third at 49.91 seconds. All three athletes have punched their tickets to Tokyo and will be looking to bring home medals for the United States.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s bold decision to switch events and her subsequent success have captured the attention of the track and field community worldwide. Known for her poise, discipline, and work ethic, she has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport. Whether it’s the 400m hurdles or the open 400m, she brings the same level of intensity and precision to every race.
This latest performance is a continuation of a career that has been defined by breaking barriers. At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone set a world record in the 400m hurdles with a time of 51.46, only to break it again at the 2022 World Championships with an astonishing 50.68. Her technical mastery over hurdles, coupled with elite sprinting capabilities, gives her a unique edge in the 400m flat event.
What makes her recent performance even more remarkable is how seamlessly she transitioned to the new event. While many athletes struggle to maintain dominance after switching disciplines, McLaughlin-Levrone appears to be thriving. Her coach, training team, and fans are all excited to see what lies ahead as she prepares for the biggest stage of the season.
As the countdown to the World Championships begins, all eyes will be on Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone to see whether she can continue this meteoric rise and perhaps even break the long-standing American record. Regardless of the outcome, her decision to challenge herself, to step outside of her comfort zone, and to pursue greatness on her own terms is already a victory in itself.
In a sport often defined by specialization, McLaughlin-Levrone is proving that versatility, courage, and relentless determination can still carve new paths. Whether she’s leaping hurdles or sprinting all-out, she continues to raise the bar — and the world is watching.