Quick Read
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone won gold in the women’s 400m at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
- Her time of 47.78 seconds is the second-fastest ever and a new championship record.
- Marileidy Paulino claimed silver with a national record (47.98s); Salwa Eid Naser took bronze (48.19s).
- McLaughlin-Levrone is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and reigning world champion in 400m hurdles.
- Only four women have run the 400m in under 48 seconds; two did so in Tokyo.
Rain, Records, and Rivalry: Tokyo’s Electric 400m Final
On a rainy Thursday evening in Tokyo, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone did what many thought impossible—she blazed down the track in the women’s 400 meters, not only winning gold at the World Athletics Championships but rewriting the record books in the process. The American star, widely recognized for her dominance in the 400m hurdles, stepped into unfamiliar territory and delivered a performance for the ages, clocking a jaw-dropping 47.78 seconds.
Breaking Barriers: The Second-Fastest Time Ever
McLaughlin-Levrone’s time was more than just a personal best—it was the second-fastest ever recorded in the history of women’s 400m sprinting. The only woman to have ever run faster is Germany’s Marita Koch, who set the world record of 47.60 seconds in 1985, a record that has stood for four decades. Thursday’s race in Tokyo didn’t just challenge that mark; it set a new World Championship record, toppling the previous best of 47.99 seconds set by Jarmila Kratochvílová in 1983.
What makes McLaughlin-Levrone’s achievement even more remarkable is that she’s known primarily for her hurdles prowess. Her transition to the flat 400m was watched with a sense of curiosity and expectation. As the gun sounded, she exploded off the blocks with a purpose that was palpable—even through the sheets of rain cascading over the stadium.
Head-to-Head with Legends and Rising Stars
The final wasn’t just a one-woman show. Lining up alongside McLaughlin-Levrone were some of the world’s fastest women: Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, 2019 world champion Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain, and Poland’s Natalia Bukowiecka. Each had something to prove. As the race progressed, the tension built—Paulino and Naser matched McLaughlin-Levrone stride for stride, their determination clear on their faces as they rounded the final bend.
But as the runners surged onto the home straight, McLaughlin-Levrone summoned a burst of speed that left the competition reeling. The crowd, huddled under umbrellas, watched as she pulled ahead, her stride lengthening and her focus unwavering. Paulino gave chase, closing the gap and pushing herself to a national record of 47.98 seconds—just a hair’s breadth behind. Naser crossed the line in 48.19, securing bronze and confirming her status among the event’s elite.
Historic Milestones: Under 48 Seconds, A Rare Feat
The Tokyo final was historic for another reason: it was only the third and fourth time in history that women have run the 400m in under 48 seconds. Marita Koch and Jarmila Kratochvílová accomplished the feat in the 1980s, and now, McLaughlin-Levrone and Paulino have joined this exclusive club. The margin between victory and a new world record was a mere 0.18 seconds—a testament to the fierce competition and the relentless drive of these athletes.
As McLaughlin-Levrone celebrated beside the scoreboard, the moment was not lost on the crowd or her competitors. She was a newcomer to the event, yet she had just redefined its possibilities. The scoreboard flashed her time, and the stadium erupted in applause, recognizing the magnitude of her achievement.
A Champion’s Journey: From Hurdles to History
For Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, this gold medal is the latest in a career marked by excellence. She is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and the reigning world champion in the 400m hurdles. Her name is already synonymous with speed and precision, and now, with this victory, she has cemented her legacy as one of track and field’s most versatile and accomplished stars.
Her journey to Tokyo was not without challenges. Transitioning from hurdles to the flat 400m required a recalibration of technique, mindset, and strategy. Yet, her semifinal run had already hinted at what was to come—she broke the U.S. record, setting the stage for a final that would demand everything from the athletes on the track.
As she crossed the finish line, McLaughlin-Levrone added another gold to her already crowded trophy cabinet. Yet, it’s not just the medal that stands out—it’s the manner in which she won, the history she chased, and the new benchmark she set for future generations.
The Ripple Effect: Inspiring Rivals and Rising Stars
The Tokyo World Championships did more than crown new champions—it inspired athletes and fans alike. Marileidy Paulino’s silver was earned with a national record, pushing the boundaries for Dominican Republic athletics. Salwa Eid Naser’s bronze reaffirmed her place among the sport’s elite, and Natalia Bukowiecka’s presence ensured a competitive field from start to finish.
Just moments before the women’s final, the men’s 400m saw Botswana’s Busang Collen Kebinatshipi take gold in 43.53 seconds, and his compatriot Bayapo Ndori secure bronze. Trinidad and Tobago’s Jereem Richards took silver. The atmosphere in the stadium was electric, each race a showcase of global talent and relentless ambition.
For McLaughlin-Levrone, the spotlight now shines even brighter. Questions linger: Can she one day break Koch’s world record? Will her versatility continue to shape the sport? For now, she stands atop the podium, a champion not just of the race, but of possibility itself.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Tokyo triumph is more than a medal—it’s a statement. She has redefined what’s possible in the women’s 400m, delivering a performance that will echo through the sport for years to come. With her eyes set on further challenges and records, McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and the relentless pursuit of excellence.