Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set a new world record in the 400-meter hurdles at the U.S. Olympic Team Trials on Sunday, clocking in at 50.65 seconds. In only her fourth long hurdles race of the season, the 24-year-old reigning Olympic champion cleared all 10 barriers with ease, sprinting to the finish line and breaking the world record for the fifth time.
Electrifying the Crowd-New 400m Hurdles World Record
Sydney Michelle McLaughlin-Levrone is an American hurdler and sprinter specializing in the 400-meter hurdles. She is the 2020 Tokyo Olympic champion, holding the Games record, and the 2022 World champion. A “ticketed” Olympic Trials crowd of 12,243 roared in excitement as they watched the trackside timer switch from 50.67 to 50.65 seconds. Four of McLaughlin-Levrone’s world records have been set at the University of Oregon’s Hayward Field.
Overcoming Challenges
McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey to this record has been marked by significant changes and challenges. Since moving to coach Bobby Kersee, her stride pattern between hurdles was adjusted to 14 strides early in the race. This change has been a game-changer, placing her in a league of her own.
“She’s really fast, and she’s really strong,” said Anna Cockrell. “It’s hard to put it any other way. She’s great at maintaining her speed and executes hurdles 6 through 8 exceptionally well. She’s a great technician, so I know what I need to work on.”
A New 400m Hurdles World Record
In a race that was once decided by fractions of a second, McLaughlin-Levrone won by a staggering 1.99 seconds over Anna Cockrell and 2.12 seconds over Jasmine Jones. This performance has reset expectations and prompted the track world to rethink what’s possible in the 400-meter hurdles.
Looking Ahead to the Paris Olympics 2024
As McLaughlin-Levrone prepares for the Olympics, the conversation has shifted to the potential of breaking the 50-second barrier. Hurdling great Edwin Moses commented, “It could happen. She might need a couple more races, but that’s about it.” The world will be watching on August 8, the date of the Olympic final in Paris, to see if she can achieve this monumental feat.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone poses with the gold medal after setting a new world record in the women’s 400 meter hurdles final.
Sydney Michelle McLaughlin-Levrone: An Athletic Prodigy
https://globalbuzznetwork.com/biography-of-sydney-mclaughlin-levrone/
Personal Information
- Birth Name: Sydney Michelle McLaughlin
- Full Name: Sydney Michelle McLaughlin-Levrone
- Born: August 7, 1999 (age 24)
- Birthplace: New Brunswick, New Jersey, U.S.
- Height: 5 ft 9 in (175 cm)
- Employer: New Balance
- Spouse: Andre Levrone Jr.
Athletic Career
- Country: United States
- Sport: Track and Field
- Events:
- 400 m hurdles
- 400 m
- College Team: Kentucky Wildcats (2017–2018)
- Coaches:
- Bob Kersee (2020–Present)
- Joanna Hayes (2018–2020)
- Edrick Floréal (2017–2018)
- Mike McCabe (2013–2017)
Achievements and Titles
- Highest World Ranking: 1 (75 weeks in 400 m hurdles)
Personal Bests
- 100 m: 11.07 w (2018)
- 200 m: 22.07 (2024)
- 400 m: 48.74 (2023)
- 100 m Hurdles: 12.65 (2021)
- 400 m Hurdles: 50.65 (2024, World Record)
- Short Track:
- 200 m: 22.68 i (2018)
- 400 m: 50.36 i (2018, American Junior Record)
Medal Record
Olympic Games
- Gold Medal: 2020 Tokyo, 400 m hurdles
- Gold Medal: 2020 Tokyo, 4×400 m relay
World Championships
- Gold Medal: 2019 Doha, 4×400 m relay
- Gold Medal: 2022 Eugene, 400 m hurdles
- Gold Medal: 2022 Eugene, 4×400 m relay
- Silver Medal: 2019 Doha, 400 m hurdles
Diamond League
- First Place: 2019, 400 m hurdles
World Youth Championships
- Gold Medal: 2015 Cali, 400 m hurdles