Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone stands proudly with her freshly set world record after winning the women's 400 meter hurdles final at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Track & Field Trials.


July 1, 2024 Tags:

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's latest triumph at Hayward Field left her in stunned disbelief. Kneeling beyond the finish line, she glanced at the scoreboard and gasped. The numbers confirmed she had smashed her own world record in the 400-meter hurdles for the fifth time since June 2021.

"I couldn't believe it," McLaughlin-Levrone admitted later. "I wasn't expecting to clock that time."

Her dominance at the U.S. Olympic Trials was undeniable. Surging ahead of America's top hurdlers, she blazed through the race in 50.65 seconds—beating her previous record by a hair. The gap between her and the competition was staggering, almost two seconds faster than any other hurdler worldwide this year.

To grasp the enormity of McLaughlin-Levrone's achievement, consider this: in a straight 400-meter sprint, she outpaced four of nine finalists from the non-hurdle event at the Trials.

"She just keeps breaking records, and we're not even surprised anymore," remarked Dalilah Muhammad, herself an Olympic champion and the last to defeat McLaughlin-Levrone in this event. "She's a remarkable talent, one of a kind."

This latest world record solidifies McLaughlin-Levrone as the overwhelming favorite for Olympic gold in Paris. Her dominance in track and field mirrors the legendary prowess of athletes like Tiger Woods, Serena Williams, and Michael Phelps in their respective sports.

Jasmine Jones, a USC senior who finished third in the Trials, described McLaughlin-Levrone as "inspirational," having prepared for the season by studying her autobiography. For Jones, competing alongside her childhood idol humanized the larger-than-life athlete.

Similarly, Texas freshman Akala Garrett, seventh in the finals, admitted to feeling starstruck just warming up beside McLaughlin-Levrone, almost asking for a photo.

McLaughlin-Levrone's journey to world recognition began early. By 16, she had earned the Gatorade high school athlete of the year award, rewritten records, and competed in her first Olympics. Her exceptional talent was evident even then.

Among her competitors, Shamier Little, a fellow finalist, knows the challenge of racing McLaughlin-Levrone firsthand. The margin was slim at Junior Nationals, when Little was a sophomore at Texas A&M and McLaughlin-Levrone just 14 years old.

Unlike many teenage phenoms who fail to live up to expectations, McLaughlin-Levrone has not only met but exceeded hers. Turning professional after her freshman year at Kentucky, she pushed the boundaries of the sport, inspiring a new generation of hurdlers.

It's not just her speed, but her endurance and flawless hurdling technique that set McLaughlin-Levrone apart. Earlier in the season, she blazed through the 200 meters in 22.07 seconds and set a world-leading time of 48.75 seconds in the open 400 meters. She could have easily qualified for the Olympics in either event if she had chosen to double up at the Trials.

"I prefer to focus on one event," McLaughlin-Levrone explained. "I like to give it my all."

Looking ahead to Paris, could she go even faster?

"I think she can hit 49 seconds," Muhammad speculated.

It's a long-term goal for McLaughlin-Levrone, who believes there's still room for improvement in her technique, hinting at the prospect of even greater accomplishments.

"It's thrilling to think about surpassing history," McLaughlin-Levrone reflected.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

You may also like

Maple Leafs Shine in Key Win Over Panthers, Secure Playoff Spot

The Toronto Maple Leafs delivered a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Florida Panthers on Wednesday, securing their spot in the....

Joey Daccord, Kraken Shut Out Canucks 5-0, Hurting Vancouver’s Playoff Hopes

Seattle Kraken goalie Joey Daccord delivered a flawless performance, stopping all 25 shots he faced as his team cruised past....

Vancouver Whitecaps Hold Pumas to 1-1 in Champions Cup Clash

The Vancouver Whitecaps faced disappointment as they settled for a 1-1 draw against Mexico’s Pumas UNAM in their CONCACAF Champions....

Suzuki Sparks Canadiens’ Thrilling Comeback Victory Over Panthers

Nick Suzuki proved once again why he’s the heart of the Montreal Canadiens. With just seconds left on the clock,....

Kuzmenko Leads Kings to 4-1 Win Over Top-Ranked Jets

The Los Angeles Kings delivered a commanding 4-1 victory over the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets on Tuesday night, with Andrei Kuzmenko,....

Ovechkin Nears Gretzky’s Record as Capitals Edge Bruins 4-3

Alex Ovechkin inched closer to history on Tuesday night, scoring his 891st career goal as the Washington Capitals secured a....

Sharangovich Seals Flames' 3-2 Shootout Victory Over Avalanche

The Calgary Flames pulled off an electrifying comeback Monday night, rallying from a two-goal deficit to stun the Colorado Avalanche....

Devils Edge Wild in Shootout Thriller as NHL Action Heats Up

The New Jersey Devils secured a thrilling 3-2 shootout victory over the Minnesota Wild on Monday night, marking their third....

Women's NCAA Final Four: South Carolina vs. Texas, UCLA vs. UConn

In an exciting twist, the Women's NCAA Final Four is set with three No. 1 seeds vying for a spot....

Raptors' Young Core Gaining Momentum as Season Winds Down

The Toronto Raptors may be out of the playoff race, but their recent performances suggest a promising future. With a....

Jenner Shines as Blue Jackets Edge Canucks in 7-6 Shootout Win

The Columbus Blue Jackets pulled off a stunning comeback on Friday night, rallying from multiple deficits to claim a 7-6....

Kraken Dominate Oilers with Quick Strikes in 6-1 Victory

The Seattle Kraken snapped their three-game losing streak in style, crushing the Edmonton Oilers 6-1 on Thursday night. Jaden Schwartz....