Sydney McLaughlin-Levron delivered a remarkable version on Thursday (September 18) at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo. She claimed the 400m gold of women with a time of 47.78 seconds. Racing through the rain, she came extremely close, only 0.18 seconds shy to break the 40-year-old 400m record of Marita Koch from 47.60 seconds.
Her run, however, hit the 1983 championship record and marked the second fastest 400m time in history.
Who is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone?
Sydney McLaughlin-Levron, a 26-year-old American from New Jersey, is a track and field sensation, best known for its dominance in the 400m hurdles. She has won two Olympic gold and a world title.
At the 2025 world championships she proved her sparkle by going beyond obstacles and claiming her first global title in the 400m flat.
Stage finish
The 400m final of the women was a showcase of fierce competition and talent. Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic insured silver with a strong 47.98 seconds, while Bahrain's Salwa Eid Naser bronze claimed in 48.19 seconds. McLaughlin-Levrone's ability to surpass such a formidable field, despite the wet conditions, emphasized her exceptional speed and focus.
