Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone dominates 400 hurdles, sets world record again

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone delivered a stunning display of dominance at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials, rewriting history once again in the women’s 400-meter hurdles. The electrifying event unfolded at Eugene's Hayward Field, where McLaughlin-Levrone blazed across the finish line in a jaw-dropping 50.65 seconds, shattering her own previous world record of 50.68 seconds set at the 2022 World Championships.

The magnitude of her achievement was palpable as McLaughlin-Levrone, visibly overwhelmed, covered her mouth in disbelief upon seeing her record-breaking time. Reflecting on her performance, she attributed her success to divine guidance, expressing gratitude and astonishment at the unexpected feat.

In a post-race interview, she humbly acknowledged the role of faith and preparation in her accomplishment, stating, "Honestly, praise God, I was not expecting that. Anything is possible in Christ. I’m just amazed, baffled and in shock."

McLaughlin-Levrone's path to victory was not without formidable competition. Anna Cockrell secured second place with a time of 52.64 seconds, followed closely by Jasmine Jones at 52.77 seconds, both earning spots alongside McLaughlin-Levrone on the Paris-bound team.

Dalilah Muhammad, a decorated Olympian with gold from Rio and silver from Tokyo, faced an unexpected setback, finishing sixth in the trials. Despite her unparalleled success, McLaughlin-Levrone remains grounded, acknowledging areas for improvement in her stride pattern and emphasizing the continuous pursuit of excellence.

Looking ahead, McLaughlin-Levrone, coached by the esteemed Bobby Kersee, aims to maintain her momentum towards Paris, viewing each race as an opportunity to surpass her own limits. She dreams of breaking the elusive sub-50-second barrier, a goal that seems increasingly within reach given her exceptional form and unwavering determination.

Her record-breaking performance not only cements her status as the favorite for gold in Paris but also serves as a testament to her unparalleled athleticism and relentless pursuit of greatness. As she prepares for the upcoming Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone remains focused on refining her technique and achieving new milestones in her remarkable career.