The 200m race in the women’s category in the USATF Grand Prix was all about fighting between David and David, leaving no space for Goliath. It was Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s second 200m race in the Olympic season which showcased sprinters like Rhasidat Adeleke and the Olympic medalist Gabby Thomas. Leading those big names on the opponent’s side, was Abby Steiner, the 2-time world champion. However, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone took 22.07 seconds to beat the bands of opponents.

And her performance put a question mark on her mentor, Bobby Kersee’s comment, made a few hours ago. The comment came deciding Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Paris Olympia future. The sprinter has had an injury-prone past. So, the anecdote from Bob may add a positive side to her possibility. But is that so? What does Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone think of it? 

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is warming up for the ultimate contest 

Just a few days back, Bobby Kersee had backed Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s 400m hurdles mastery that gave her an edge over her opponents numerous times in the past. So supporting that part, the judicious mentor added, “I think Sydney’s love is the 400m hurdles, and so that’s the number one event” talking about her go-to event in the Paris Olympics. 

But after defeating such big names in the 200m event, should the 400m hurdle remain the only event for Sydney’s grab? Wouldn’t it be a risk for the sprinter to rely on only one event that she has not even tried in the last several months? The answer should be mixed as Sydney herself wants to go with the 400mH event where her opponents have already earned big in her absence. 

In her response in the post-match conversation, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone termed the 400mH events as her “bread and butter”. With that, she also mentioned that she is now ready to take on the 400mH events. At the same time, when questioned about trying two simultaneous events for the Paris Olympics, the 2-time Olympic champion flouted the probability of such an occurrence by saying, “No, no… I don’t think so”.

However, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will not get much chance to test her 400mH mastery before the Paris Olympics trial as the sprinter informed that she might have fewer contests left before the Oregon trial. So wouldn’t put her at risk against the oppositions like Femke Bol and Dalilah Muhammad? 

A hurried sharpening can break the sword 

After missing a hefty timeline because of injury, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has tried four events so far this season. And none of those four events hold the tag of 400mH. Furthermore, in her absence, Femke Bol, the Dutch legend, won every 400mH elite event she contested, including the World Athletics Championship gold in Budapest. Her timing remained supreme, rolling in the sub-51 category. This year, the 24-year-old has yet to take part in the 400mH event. But she already has the world indoor championship gold in 400m to boast. The same applies to Dalilah Muhammad. 

The 34-year-old American sprinter headed to two 400mH events this year, including the USATF Grand Prix event from where Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone backed out. Apart from contesting with such opponents, Sydney will have to fight against the history that has witnessed no one winning back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the 400mH event in the women’s category so far. So, what do you think about the risks of waiting for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone to defend her Olympic medal? Let us know.