Track Star McLaughlin-Levrone Breaks 19 Year Old American Record, Nearly Breaks The World Record
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone cemented her place in track and field history Thursday, winning her first world title in the 400m flat in Tokyo with a blistering 47.78 seconds—the second-fastest time ever recorded. The mark came within striking distance of German runner Marita Koch’s 1985 world record of 47.60, the longest-standing record in sprinting.
“I think barriers are broken when the time is right,” McLaughlin-Levrone said after the race. “Records come when they’re supposed to. It’s really just about executing and trusting the process.”
From Hurdles Dominance to Flat 400m Glory
McLaughlin-Levrone, a two-time Olympic champion and six-time world record holder in the 400m hurdles, entered Tokyo ranked third this season. She chose the flat 400m after going undefeated in the hurdles since 2019.
Her semifinal run of 48.29 seconds broke Sanya Richards-Ross’ American record of 48.70, which had stood since 2006. She went even faster in the final, slicing another half-second off her time.
Her coach, Bobby Kersee, summed up the approach: “You’ve got to go take the belt. It’s not yours. You’ve got to go earn it.”
Looking Ahead to LA 2028
When asked about possibly doubling in both the hurdles and the 400m flat at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone smiled: “I’m going to need some days off in there if that was the case. It’s tough fields in both events. You have to respect them.”
Other Highlights from Thursday’s World Championships
- Collen Kebinatshipi won Botswana’s first men’s world title with a 43.53 in the 400m.
- Noah Lyles led 200m qualifiers with 19.51 as he pursues a fourth straight world title.
- Shericka Jackson and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden advanced in the women’s 200m, both chasing history.
- Keshorn Walcott (Trinidad and Tobago) claimed javelin gold, his first global title since the 2012 Olympics.
- Curtis Thompson earned bronze in javelin, only the third U.S. man to reach a world podium.
