The countdown has started! Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone impressed the whole wide world with her record-setting performance at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships. After all, she ran 47.78s, becoming the second-fastest woman in the 400m. Meanwhile, Gabby Thomas had to sit out due to her unhealed injury. Therefore, the world lies in wait for both their next track appearances. And guess what? World Athletics just made an announcement that raised the enthusiasm of the track and field community. It’s an announcement that sends a strong signal for McLaughlin-Levrone, Thomas, and their New Balance connection. 

Taking to X, World Athletics announced, “The #WorldIndoorTour will return in 2026, featuring a packed calendar of almost 80 meetings across all levels.” The World Indoor Tour Gold calendar was unveiled with a ‘Save The Dates’ visual, featuring eight marquee meets across the USA and Europe. The tour will begin with the New Balance Indoor Grand Prix on 24th January 2026. This is the same meet that Gabby had talked about in September while discussing her comeback plans, “I’ll do indoors. I’ll probably be at the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston at the end of January,” she had hinted. And now we finally have the date.

World Athletics also revealed that February 1, 2026, will witness the beginning of the Millrose Games, and two days after that, the Czech Indoor Gala will commence.  February 6 is set for the World Indoor Tour Gold, Madrid. The Init Indoor Meeting, Karlsruhe, will follow that on February 8. Additionally, the fans will get to witness strong competition at the Belgrade Indoor Meeting on 11 February, and the Meeting Hauts-de-France Pas-de-Calais Trophee EDF on 19 February. And finally, there’s the ORLEN Copernicus Cup, Poland, on 22nd February. 

However, the New Balance Grand Prix, Boston, holds particular weight. The inclusion of the women’s 400m as a scoring event this year only strengthens the likelihood of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s participation. While official entry lists are still pending, the alignment of timing, event discipline, and sponsorship creates strong anticipation that Boston could mark McLaughlin-Levrone’s first race of 2026. Surrounded by fellow New Balance icons, like Femke Bol and Gabby Thomas, her appearance would transform the meet into one of the most anticipated early-season showcases in global track and field.

As McLaughlin-Levrone prepares for what could be her first 2026 appearance in Boston, her influence is already stretching far beyond the track. The New Balance star has shown that her role isn’t confined to record-breaking performances. Instead, she continues to merge athletic excellence with her role as an inspiration for the new generation.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone joins New Balance for a special cause 

After more than 55,000 people ran the 26.2-mile course at the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon, Mclaughlin-Levrone, although she didn’t run the marathon, joined hands with New Balance and New York Road Runners to distribute footwear to local children. And the Olympian’s presence was much more than an inspirational stance for the younger generation. The second-fastest woman in the 400m flat shared a few visuals through her Instagram profile. Of course, the pictures carried quite a bit of energy, with one specific picture featuring her along with the children. 

Taking to the caption, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone wrote, “New York I ❤️ U. What a wonderful week full of laughs, incredible people, and inspiring moments! Thank you [New Balance] for having me be a part of this years [NYC Marathon]!! It was such a blast. 🤗 Until next time 🫶🏽.” With the official athletic footwear and apparel sponsor of NYRR and the TCS NYC Marathon supporting her, McLaughlin-Levrone will go on to entertain and motivate the track fans.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s story continues to transcend lanes and finish lines. From inspiring children in New York to potentially headlining the Boston opener, she embodies the perfect balance of speed, grace, and intent. As the New Balance era of her career gains momentum, one thing is certain… Her next race will probably set some interesting standards.