American track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has made history by winning gold in the women’s 400 meters at the World Athletics Championships, achieving a remarkable time of 47.78 seconds in challenging rainy conditions in Tokyo. This performance not only secured her a prestigious title but also marked the second-fastest time ever recorded in this event.
McLaughlin-Levrone, who is primarily known for her victories in the 400m hurdles, shattered the previous championship record of 47.99 seconds set by Jarmila Kratochvílová back in 1983. Her stunning feat leaves her just 0.18 seconds behind the existing world record of 47.60 seconds, established by Marita Koch in 1985 in Canberra, Australia. The 26-year-old athlete has previously broken multiple records in her signature hurdles event and continues to assert her dominance on the track.
Despite being relatively new to the 400m dash, McLaughlin-Levrone showed remarkable composure throughout the race, facing tough competition from established runners like Marileidy Paulino, Salwa Eid Naser, and Natalia Bukowiecka—who were all medalists at the last Summer Olympics. Earlier in the semifinals, she had already set a new U.S. record for the race, indicating her readiness for the final.
From the start, McLaughlin-Levrone displayed her determination, bolting off the blocks with purpose. As the race progressed, she found herself in a tight contest with Paulino and Naser, who were nearly neck-and-neck with her as they approached the final straightaway. In a stunning display of speed, McLaughlin-Levrone surged ahead, ensuring her place at the forefront of the race.
Despite a brave effort by Paulino to challenge her for the gold, McLaughlin-Levrone held her ground, finishing strongly and adding yet another gold medal to her already impressive collection. Paulino finished with silver, setting a national record of 47.98 seconds, while Naser took home the bronze with a time of 48.19 seconds. This thrilling race marked only the third and fourth occurrences of a woman completing the 400m in under 48 seconds, a feat seen only twice before in the 1980s.
In another highlight of the championship, Busang Collen Kebinatshipi from Botswana won gold in the men’s 400m with a time of 43.53 seconds, while Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards secured the silver in 43.72 seconds, and Kebinatshipi’s compatriot, Bayapo Ndori, took bronze.
This event continues to reaffirm not only McLaughlin-Levrone’s prowess on the track but also the thrilling level of competition present at the World Athletics Championships, captivating fans around the globe.
