TOKYO — In a thrilling moment for track and field, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone raced through the final bend of the 400-meter event during the world championships and spotted a formidable rival on her right. For the first time in years, she was in a true race, experiencing the adrenaline of competition against another runner.
McLaughlin-Levrone made history by becoming the first woman in almost four decades to break the elusive 48-second barrier, clocking in at an impressive 47.78 seconds. Her opponent, Marileidy Paulino, also broke 48 seconds, finishing just behind her at 47.98 seconds. Both times are among the fastest ever recorded in this event, falling just short of the long-standing record of 47.60 set by Marita Koch in 1985.
As she transitioned from hurdles to the flat 400 meters, McLaughlin-Levrone emphasized her focus not only on winning but also on challenging a record that many deemed impossible. Paulino, the reigning Olympic and world champion, was not going to make it easy.
As the final leg unfolded, McLaughlin-Levrone surged ahead by about four body lengths. However, Paulino was closing in fast when they both lunged for the finish line.
“At the end of the day, this wasn’t just my title to defend, it was mine to earn,” said McLaughlin-Levrone, who draws motivation from her coach, Bobby Kersee. He often likened the challenge to boxing, encouraging her to “take the belt” rather than hold onto it.
Kersee’s training tactics, which include challenging workouts alongside other elite athletes, played a crucial role in McLaughlin-Levrone’s remarkable performance. “I knew someone would need to run in the 47s to win,” he noted. Her dedication and willingness to embrace the challenge showcased her remarkable talent.
The atmosphere was electric as the results flashed on the scoreboard, and the audience erupted in cheers. Third-place finisher Salwa Eid Nasar recorded a time of 48.19 seconds, which highlights how much the event has evolved — her time would have secured victory in previous championships.
Many athletes, like Britain’s Amber Anning, expressed excitement about the evolution of the 400 meters, which has become a showcase of exceptional talent. Paulino, for her part, reflected on her own achievements, stating, “I feel like a winner. I’ve trained tirelessly for five years for this moment.”
While McLaughlin-Levrone initially faced setbacks, including injuries that hindered her earlier attempts at a world title in 2023, she returned to the flat after excelling in hurdles, where she won gold Olympic medals. After breaking an American record in the semifinals, she felt she still had more to give.
“Today was a fantastic day for track and field, and I’m thankful to contribute to the excitement,” she said. It remains uncertain whether she will continue her pursuit in the 400 or return to hurdles, a field where breaking the 50-second mark seems within reach, just as she did previously.
As her training and perseverance have shown, McLaughlin-Levrone is more than capable of pushing boundaries in her sport. “Knowing her, she might head back to the hurdles and aim to run under 50 seconds,” predicted Kersee.
A Young Athlete’s Journey
In other news, 17-year-old Australian Gout Gout recently finished fourth in his semifinal heat of the 200 meters, clocking a time of 20.36 seconds, a commendable achievement for a high school athlete. He expressed gratitude for the chance to compete against top athletes, confident that he has a bright future ahead.
Is Noah Lyles Raising the Bar?
Noah Lyles delivered a standout performance in the 200-meter semifinals, finishing with a season-best time of 19.51 seconds. His strong showing suggests he’s ready to compete at the highest level in the finals, making his mark in the ongoing championship.
