Reigning world 400m hurdles record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has set sight to dominate in both the 400m and 400m hurdles at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Fresh off two dominant victories at the opening Grand Slam Track meet in Kingston, where she claimed a $100,000 prize, the American star remains undecided but optimistic about the possibility.
“I think we’re going to keep training for either the 400 or the 400 hurdles and make a decision as we get closer,” she said post-race.
“For now, I’m just enjoying the Slams and trying to be the best overall athlete I can be.
McLaughlin-Levrone ran 50.32 in the 400m despite a -5 m/s headwind, following her 52.76 hurdles victory the day before.
Despite her own success, McLaughlin-Levrone was quick to acknowledge that the flat 400m has evolved. On Saturday night, she watched as Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser scorched the track in a world-leading 48.67. The time underscored the depth of the field, which includes Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino of 48.17 .
“That was a fast race! Really fun to watch,” McLaughlin-Levrone said.
“It got me excited for where track and field is heading. It was very fast, very early, so I’ve definitely got some work to do if I want a fair shot in that company.”
McLaughlin-Levrone’s personal best of 48.74 places her among the fastest women in history.
No woman has ever won both the 400m and 400m hurdles at one championship, making McLaughlin-Levrone’s potential double historic.
McLaughlin-Levrone, who has repeatedly shattered world records in the hurdles, embraces the challenge with cautious optimism
“I think anything’s possible. I like to take it one step at a time, but everything’s on the table. We’ll just have to see where we fare up and continue to progress through the season.”
McLaughlin-Levrone embraces the Grand Slam Track’s format, hinting at racing the 100m, 100m hurdles, and 200m soon in upcoming meets.
“This format, the competition it’s just fun to be a part of, and it’s pushing all of us to be better.”
