Manchester
American sprinter Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is set for a new challenge at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Instead of her usual 400m hurdles, the 26-year-old will compete in the flat 400m event.
McLaughlin-Levrone is already a star in hurdles, holding six world records, two Olympic golds, and a world title. But this season, she stepped away from her main event to try something new. She says it’s not about winning right away but growing as an all-round athlete.
She started focusing on the 400m in 2023 but had to step back due to a knee injury. Now, she returns stronger and ready to learn. “It’s a different kind of pain,” she said, comparing it to the hurdles. “But I love every second of it.”
Her best time this year, 48.90 seconds, is the third fastest worldwide. Only two others have gone faster in 2025. Though the world record is still far off, she believes with time and effort, breaking it could be possible.
Returning to Tokyo, where she won her first Olympic gold in 2021, makes this moment even more meaningful for her.
