The U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials concluded with a bang as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set a new world record in the 400-meter hurdles. Leading from start to finish, she won her second consecutive Olympic Trials title with a time of 50.65, improving on her own world record from 2022 by 0.03 seconds. In an interview after the race, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed her surprise and disbelief at her record-breaking performance.
Anna Cockrell finished second in the race with a time of 52.64, while Jasmine Jones claimed the final Olympic spot in 52.77. Despite her sixth-place finish in the event, Dalilah Muhammad, the 2016 Olympic champion and 2021 Olympic silver medalist, was praised by the top three finishers in tribute to her accomplishments.
McLaughlin-Levrone, who is 24 years old, has had an exceptional season leading up to the Trials, competing in various events such as the 4 x 100-meter relay, the 100-meter hurdles, the 200-meter dash, and the 400-meter race. Her performance in the 400-meter race with a time of 48.75 is the fastest in the world so far this year, indicating that she is poised for success in Paris.
After missing the 400 hurdles event last year due to a knee injury, McLaughlin-Levrone has made a remarkable comeback, setting world records and dominating her competition. Her rivalry with Dutch star Femke Bol promises to be an electrifying showdown at the upcoming Olympics. With seven of the 10 fastest times in history in the 400-meter hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone continues to push the boundaries of the sport.
As a writer and editor based in Eugene, Oregon, Sarah Lorge Butler has covered the sport of track and field extensively, capturing the stories of its athletes and their achievements. Her insights into the sport and its top performers have been a mainstay in publications like Runner’s World for over a decade, cementing her as a respected voice in the running community.