Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone delivered a record-breaking performance on September 18, 2025, at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
The 26-year-old American sprint sensation claimed the women’s 400m gold medal in 47.78 seconds—the fastest time recorded in the event in four decades.
Despite heavy rain, McLaughlin-Levrone powered past defending Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino to secure the title, adding a flat 400m crown to her already glittering hurdles résumé of two Olympic golds and a world title.
Fierce Battle for the Podium
The race showcased intense competition. McLaughlin-Levrone surged ahead early but faced a strong challenge from Paulino, who clocked 47.98 seconds for silver, ranking her third-fastest of all time.
Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser took bronze in 48.19 seconds. Poland’s Natalia Bukowiecka placed fourth at 49.27 seconds, and Britain’s Amber Anning finished fifth with 49.36 seconds.
Athletes React and Look Ahead
“I’m thrilled and honored,” said McLaughlin-Levrone after her victory.
“Switching from hurdles to the flat 400m drew skepticism, but I believed in my potential.
We’ll discuss my 2028 Los Angeles Olympics schedule—perhaps competing in both disciplines.”
Paulino, who ran from an outside lane, remarked: “Limited visibility challenged me, but running sub-48 seconds boosts my confidence for a world record.” Naser added: “Bronze motivates me; the record feels close with these times.”
From Hurdles Star to 400m Champion
After breaking the hurdles world record for Olympic gold last year, McLaughlin-Levrone shifted her focus to the flat 400m in 2025.
Her semifinal U.S. record of 48.29 seconds marked her as the favorite. While cooler conditions raised hopes of a world record, heavy rain made the race more demanding.
Paulino closed in on the final curve, but McLaughlin-Levrone held on for a thrilling finish.
A New Era in Women’s 400m
This victory underscores McLaughlin-Levrone’s versatility and signals an evolving era in the women’s 400m.
With no former champions in the field, fresh talent continues to emerge. Her time sits just behind Marita Koch’s 1985 mark of 47.60 seconds, fueling anticipation for future breakthroughs.
