The 2024 USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix kicked off today, May 18, featuring an impressive lineup that includes Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the 2020 Tokyo Olympic champion and 2022 World champion. Known for her world record time of 50.68 seconds in the 400m hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone stunned the crowd with a remarkable performance in the 200m event, despite it not being her primary event.

McLaughlin-Levrone set a huge personal best, finishing the 200m race in 22.07 seconds (-0.3 wind). She dominated the field, surpassing Abby Steiner, who came second, who finished in 22.32 seconds, and Brittany Brown who came third, clocked in at 22.35 seconds. Rhasidat Adeleke took fourth place with a time of 22.45 seconds. But there’s more to this story.

Sydney McLaughlin defeated the Olympic bronze medalist Gabby Thomas, who completed the race in 22.68 seconds and finished in 6th position. It’s worth noting that McLaughlin-Levrone has only raced against Thomas once before, at last year’s NYC Grand Prix, where Sydney won the 400m in 49.51 seconds, with Gabby right behind her in 50.29 seconds. This time, McLaughlin-Levrone stepped into Thomas’s specialty event and emerged victorious.

Despite Thomas’s 2–1 all-time lead over Abby Steiner in this distance, the day was dominated by McLaughlin-Levrone, who impressively clocked the world’s second-fastest time of the year in an event she seldom races and does not intend to compete in next month’s Olympic Trials. Remarkably, this marked her triumphant return to the 200m after several years away from the event.

From setbacks to triumphs – Will she dominate the Olympic trials?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, traditionally known for her hurdles, had not competed in a 200m dash since 2018 until this season. Instead, last year she chose to compete in the flat 400m, achieving the fastest time globally for the season. However, she had to step from competing in the World Championships in August because of a slight PCL tear and issues with her left knee. Moving ahead McLaughlin Levrone is focusing on the 400m hurdles event at the Olympic Trials, in Eugene, Oregon taking place from June 21 -30. “Yeah, I think 400m hurdles is my bread and butter. That’s what I’m most comfortable with, so we’re gonna try to get back to that. I think we’re just slowly working towards our racing plans, staying ahead of the US trials.” She said.

Sydney McLaughlin also expressed a focused intent on prioritizing her health. When asked about her recovery process and confidence, she emphasized the importance of prevention, care, and rehabilitation. She mentioned, “a lot of little stuff rehabbing, making sure you’re strong in the small muscles. Both my knees feel great right now, which I’m very happy about, and just trying to keep it that way and not do too much to strain myself.” As she continues her journey, it will indeed be fascinating to observe Sydney McLaughlin’s path leading up to Paris in 2024.