Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone made history during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, becoming the first woman in nearly four decades to run the 400 meters in under 48 seconds. Her remarkable time of 47.78 seconds not only marked her first global title in this event but also represented a seismic shift in the record books, trailing only the legendary Marita Koch’s 47.60 seconds, set in 1985.
The race witnessed exceptional performance from the competitors, with second-place finisher Marileidy Paulino clocking an impressive 47.98 seconds, marking one of the fastest finishes in the event’s history. Salwa Eid Naser secured third place with a time of 48.19 seconds, a performance that would have won previous world championships. This race showcased a level of speed and competition that had not been seen in decades, with McLaughlin-Levrone directly attributing her success to the fierce competition surrounding her.
“I didn’t believe it when I saw the time,” McLaughlin-Levrone said as she crossed the finish line, expressing her disbelief and excitement. Before the championships, she had urged fellow athletes to aim for breaking the 48-second barrier, a goal that now seems attainable and perhaps even surpassable as record-breaking performances become more frequent.
This race occurred on the very track where McLaughlin-Levrone set a world record in the 400-meter hurdles during the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, now with an audience energizing the atmosphere. The excitement was palpable as the crowd roared, particularly during the final stretch of the race, where McLaughlin-Levrone and Paulino were closely matched.
Coach Bobby Kersee, who has played a critical role in McLaughlin-Levrone’s transformation into a top-tier sprinter, likened races to a boxing match, stating, “You’ve got to go out there and take the belt. It’s not yours. You’ve got to earn it.” Kersee has emphasized the rigorous training McLaughlin-Levrone undertook, preparing her for this crucial moment.
This victory marks her 19th consecutive win in one-lap races, whether hurdles or flat, since June 2023. McLaughlin-Levrone was aware of the challenge ahead in the final moments, focusing on maintaining her composure during the race’s climax.
For her part, Paulino expressed gratitude for being part of such a historic event, reflecting on her training and commitment over the past five years. Having transitioned to the flat 400 meters after focusing on hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey has been marked by both challenges and successes, including previous global championship wins in hurdles.
In the semifinal, McLaughlin-Levrone set a new American record with a time of 48.29 seconds, indicating that she still had more potential to unleash. With the pair pushing each other in the final race, she expressed satisfaction with the excitement her performance brought to the sport.
As questions arise regarding her future focus—whether she will continue in the flat 400 meters or return to hurdles—the consensus is that she is poised for more rapid developments. Coach Kersee suggested that McLaughlin-Levrone’s time of 47 seconds in this event could propel her ambitions to break 50 seconds in hurdles, an unthinkable benchmark until her record-breaking runs transformed the narrative.
Whatever decision McLaughlin-Levrone makes next, it is certain that she has ignited new aspirations and possibilities in the realm of track and field athletics. The athletics world watches with bated breath as she contemplates her next steps, knowing that her remarkable capabilities can redefine existing records and inspire a new generation of athletes.
