The World Athletics Championship witnessed history. The USA’s Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone blasted through the 400-meter race and left more than a few jaws on the floor. Her time was the fastest in 40 years. And at just 26, her resume is embellished with some of the most pristine honors. There are a few praises that could do her accolades justice, but Draymond Green managed to give her the recognition that she deserves.

McLaughlin-Levrone ran a 47.78 during her gold medal finish in Tokyo. It’s the second fastest time in history, only trailing East Germany’s Marita Koch from 1985. However, it wasn’t just that. The 26-year-old needed to be in historic form to win gold and delivered one of the best runs of her young career. Green, for one, is often seen praising fellow athletes. But in Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s case, the four-time champion raised the bar.

“Sydney may be top 2 athletes in the world over the last 25 years…. Debate whoever you want as the other… but debate with ya mama,” he wrote on his Instagram threads. The praise is meaningful, especially coming from Green. Remember, he regularly competes with athletes who have broken barriers regarding longevity. His famed teammate, Stephen Curry, is entering Year 17, feeling he is at the top of his game.

One of his arch-rivals and best friends, LeBron James, will play in his 23rd season, and is still a cornerstone for the Los Angeles Lakers. Yet, Draymond Green has managed to recognize Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s dominance. She’s one of the most decorated athletes in her field and has consistently delivered outstanding results. Her spectacular race in Tokyo served as the cherry on top. At least, for Draymond Green, it solidified her status as one of the best athletes in the modern era.

Rest, her accolades speak for themselves.

A race for the ages

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone began her career as a prodigy. She quickly rose in ranks as one of the most prolific 400-meter hurdlers. The 26-year-old has two Olympic gold medals and a world record to show for the same. However, as far as running a 400-meter flat, she only started to experiment in 2023. Earlier, a knee injury kept her out of Budapest. But the track phenom didn’t take long to break through.

Her gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo was her first major win in a flat 400-meter race. And the competition was just as fierce.

For context, McLaughlin-Levrone came first by a margin of only 0.20 seconds. Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic finished with silver and recorded the third fastest time ever. That puts into perspective just how breathtaking a performance it was from the four-time gold medalist. To her, setting records isn’t something she is unfamiliar with. But to master a completely different event within such a short time speaks volumes about her versatility.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has been sensational throughout her career. That’s not something many athletes can boast. Draymond Green’s praise will still raise some arguments. But given her record on the track, it makes perfect sense why the Warriors forward gives her such an honor.