Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone ran the second-fastest time in history on September 18, 2025, during the World Championship in Tokyo, Japan. This marks her third appearance in the 400m race at the World Championships. According to NBC Sports, McLaughlin-Levrone nearly broke the longest-standing world record in the 400m, clocking 47.78 seconds, just shy of German Marita Koch’s 1985 record of 47.60.
“I think barriers are broken when the time is right,” said McLaughlin-Levrone. Known for the 400m hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone sought a new challenge with the 400m race. “I think records come when they’re supposed to. It’s really just about executing and trusting the process,” she said.
McLauglin-Levrone is the first person to win World Titles in both the 400m and 400m hurdles. Her coach, Bobby Kersee, often uses boxing terms to describe their goals. “You’ve got to take the belt. It’s not yours. You’ve got to earn it,” he said.
Interviewing my Mrs. Strayhorn about this historic event, she expressed excitement: “After meeting Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and experiencing her spirit and determination, nothing she does surprises me. Winning a World Title is no small feat, especially in an event relatively new to her. I can’t wait to see what other times will be shattered by this amazing athlete!”
McLaughlin-Levrone’s switch to the 400m was surprising to many. Strayhorn believes Sydney’s achievements will positively impact Track and Field, especially for women, setting a high standard on and off the track. “She encourages younger athletes to ‘chase’ it…in their own way,” Strayhorn added.
McLauglin-Levrone’s faith in God is evident, as she doesn’t want to be confined to one event. “She wants to prove to herself and others that she is not a one-trick pony!” said Strayhorn.
I wanted a different perspective, so I asked a classmate about Sydney’s accomplishment. “I was amazed!! I never knew someone could run that fast for 400m,” she said. Many people only watch track and field during the Olympics, so the significance of this event is even greater. “I feel proud to be at the same high school as a professional athlete,” she added.
There has been speculation about when McLaughlin-Levrone will retire from her career. In her book, Far Beyond Gold, she discusses starting a family and working in her church after retiring from track and field. Most track athletes retire in their early 30s, but my mom suggested, “Maybe in her mid-40s, depending on how her legs feel.”
In conclusion, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone remains a prominent figure in track and field. Her faith-driven mindset, transitioning from fear to faith, is inspiring. Winning this World Title will influence future generations, especially women in the 400m. McLauglin-Levrone knows how to dominate events beyond her usual repertoire. When she crossed the finish line, she acknowledged God, continuing to be an influential athlete in the world of track and field.