- August 3, 2025
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Seals World Championships Spot With Win At US trials
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The 25-year-old McLaughlin-Levrone, who made the switch from the 400m hurdles to the 400m flat event, timed an impressive 48.90 seconds at Eugene’s Hayward Field.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reacts after winning the women’s 400-meter final at the U.S. Championships athletics meet in Eugene, Ore., Saturday, Aug. 2, 2025. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
American athlete Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone stormed to victory in the 400m event at the US Trials on Sunday to seal her berth at the World Championships on Sunday.
The 25-year-old McLaughlin-Levrone timed an impressive 48.90 seconds at Eugene’s Hayward Field. The two-time Olympic 400m hurdles champion opted to go for a change in her pet event, deciding to take on the 400m flat event instead of her preferred hurdles event, but silenced naysayers with her showing since making the transition.
McLaughlin-Levrone reasoned that she wanted to test herself in the 400m this season after a six-year unbeaten streak in the 400m hurdles.
Going into Pre, we had an idea that we wanted to focus on the 400,” McLaughlin-Levrone said.
“And I think we were like – listen, this is a challenge, it’s not as comfortable for us but I want to challenge myself. I felt like this is the year I wanted to step out of the box and really push myself in a different way. So obviously it’s uncomfortable, but I wanted to commit to it and I’m committed to it. And just excited to see where I can push myself,” she added.
McLaughlin-Levrone confirmed there was no chance of her attempting to gain a spot in the 400m hurdles in Tokyo via this month’s Diamond League finals. “No, we’ll focus just on the 400,” she said. “I think that’s a daunting task in and of itself. It’s a very competitive field, so I respect those competitors for sure and I want to make sure I can give my all to those races.”
McLaughlin-Levrone’s dominance of the 400m hurdles encompassed several record-breaking milestones. She was the first woman to break the 52-second barrier in 2021, and then became the first woman to duck under 51 seconds a year later. Last year, she obliterated her own world record in storming to victory at the Paris Olympics.
McLaughlin-Levrone, though, said she was not setting any specific record targets as she tries her hand at the 400m flat. “Everyone talks about the American record of course. That’s going to come when it’s supposed to come,” she said. “(But) I think this year and this event has taught me patience. I’ve learned a lot about myself. I’ve learned a lot about the 400. But ultimately every day it’s stepping on the track, being the best I can be, figuring out a race that is very foreign to me and taking on new challenges.”
McLaughlin-Levrone showed she is likely to be in contention for a medal in Tokyo with an emphatic victory on Saturday. She surged into an early lead over the first 200m and then kicked again down the final straight to storm home. Isabella Whittaker was second in 49.59 seconds while Aaliyah Butler was third in 49.91 seconds.
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