When the USA Track & Field Championships get underway in Eugene, Oregon this week, all eyes will be on one of the sport’s brightest stars—Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Known across the globe for redefining the 400m hurdles with her world record-breaking performances and Olympic gold medals, McLaughlin-Levrone is taking a different route this season. Instead of lining up in the hurdles, she will test herself once again in the flat 400m, a decision that has fans buzzing with anticipation.
The 25-year-old American has already established herself as one of the greatest to ever step onto the track, particularly in the 400m hurdles, where she has not only dominated but revolutionized the event. Her technique, speed, and mental toughness have separated her from the competition. However, 2025 presents a fresh challenge as she sets her sights on excelling in the open 400m, aiming to prove that her speed extends beyond the barriers.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s Track Record in the 400m
This isn’t her first venture into the flat one-lap sprint. Back in 2023, she nearly toppled the long-standing U.S. national record of 48.70 seconds, coming heartbreakingly close but ultimately just shy of the mark. More recently, she ran a 49.93 at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic, showing both her strength and consistency in the event. These performances hint at the immense potential she has in the 400m flat, and fans are eager to see how far she can push herself in Eugene.
What’s at Stake in Eugene
The USA Track & Field Outdoor Championships are scheduled from Thursday, July 31 to Sunday, August 3, and this competition doubles as the official selection trials for the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo later this year. For McLaughlin-Levrone, this is particularly significant. While she is a two-time Olympic champion and the current 400m hurdles world record holder, she does not hold an automatic wildcard entry in the hurdles this season. That makes her decision to pursue the 400m flat even more strategic—if she qualifies, she will represent the U.S. in Tokyo in this highly competitive event.
The Rivals She’ll Face
McLaughlin-Levrone won’t have an easy path. The women’s 400m field at the U.S. Championships is stacked with talent. Isabella Whittaker, the reigning North American indoor record holder in the event, is expected to be a formidable competitor. Then there’s Aaliyah Butler, a rising star who already owns an Olympic gold medal from Paris 2024 as part of Team USA’s 4x400m relay squad. Add to that another Olympian in Alexia Holmes, and the stage is set for an electrifying showdown at Hayward Field. Every athlete will be gunning for a ticket to Tokyo, and the margin for error will be razor-thin.
Why Fans Should Watch
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s move into the 400m flat adds an extra layer of intrigue to this year’s championships. Her versatility and willingness to challenge herself in new events underscore why she has become a global icon in athletics. Fans will not only be watching to see if she can secure her place at the World Championships but also whether she can inch closer—or perhaps even break—the U.S. national record she narrowly missed in 2023.
How to Watch Live
Track and field enthusiasts won’t want to miss a single moment of this year’s U.S. Championships. The event will take place at the historic Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, a venue steeped in American track and field tradition. Live coverage will be available through the Olympic Channel and other major broadcasters, ensuring fans across the globe can follow every stride, every finish, and every dramatic twist on the road to Tokyo.
Final Thoughts
The USA Track & Field Championships have always served as a proving ground for America’s top athletes, and in 2025, the spotlight shines brightest on Sydney