Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey at the Tokyo World Championships was one of redemption and ambition, coming two years after a knee injury forced her to withdraw from the 2023 Budapest Worlds just as she planned to contest the flat 400m. This time, she arrived in Tokyo not as a hurdler but as a flat-400m specialist, aiming to conquer an event that had long captivated her. Her campaign began with a statement in the semifinals, where she shattered the 19-year-old American record with a time of 48.29 seconds, signaling her readiness to challenge the world’s best. However, it was in the final where she would deliver one of the most iconic performances in track history, a race that left her overcome with emotion and the athletics world in awe.

In a thrilling final run under rainy conditions in Tokyo, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone produced a stunning championship record (CR) time of 47.78 seconds, breaking a 42-year-old championship best and coming within a whisper of the longest-standing world record in women’s sprinting—Marita Koch’s 47.60 set in 1985. Her time is now the second-fastest in history, a remarkable achievement considering the slick track and the caliber of competition.

The American defeated a stacked field, including reigning Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, who finished second with 47.98, and Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain, who took bronze in 48.19. The victory marked McLaughlin-Levrone as the first athlete ever to win world titles in both the 400m hurdles and the flat 400m, a testament to her extraordinary versatility and dominance.

The emotional weight of the moment was palpable as McLaughlin-Levrone burst into tears after crossing the finish line, overwhelmed by the magnitude of her achievement. Her performance was a masterclass in composure and power, particularly given the challenging weather. Record-breaking rain had fallen in Tokyo throughout the championships, leading to a wet track that could have hampered performances.

Yet, she navigated the conditions flawlessly, running out of lane 5 and immediately making up the stagger on her rivals before powering away in the final stretch. This victory not only added a new, historic chapter to her legacy but also solidified her status as one of the greatest track athletes of all time, leaving fans and commentators wondering if even Koch’s legendary world record might soon be within her reach. However, it was surely a roller coaster ride for her, as she expressed nothing but humility.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s experience in Tokyo

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was visibly emotional and profoundly grateful after her record-breaking performance in the 400m semifinals at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Upon crossing the finish line in 48.29 seconds, she expressed both surprise and honor at breaking Sanya Richards-Ross’s 19-year-old American record of 48.70 seconds.

In a trackside interview, she remarked, “Honored, for sure. I definitely wasn’t expecting that time. It just shows the fitness is there. I’m excited for the finals and grateful to have taken down a record by an amazing woman.” She also noted that while the time was unexpected, it reflected the rigorous training she had undergone, adding, “I wasn’t expecting that. But it’s not surprising because I know the work’s been put in. It’s really just about executing, and I’m grateful it showed me that it’s there.”

However, McLaughlin-Levrone’s triumph was a masterclass in resilience, blending raw speed with tactical brilliance to end an eight-year gold drought. Her victory not only reclaimed American supremacy in the event but also cemented her legacy as one of track’s most versatile and dominant forces.