Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone clocked a solid 49.43 seconds in the women’s 400m, a season’s best, yet walked off the track with little celebration at the Prefontaine Classic.
It was McLaughlin-Levrone’s first 400m outing in nearly a year, and expectations were high. Not just from the fans and athletics community, but from herself. With whispers about American and even world records swirling ahead of the meet, the Prefontaine Classic was always going to be more than a comeback, it was a test.
Although the field featured capable names like Aaliyah Butler, Amber Anning, and Isabella Whittaker, the spotlight remained on McLaughlin-Levrone. Her time of 49.43 secured the win comfortably, but it was nearly three-quarters of a second shy of the American record of 48.70, set by Sanya Richards-Ross in 2006.
After the race, Sydney didn’t sugarcoat her assessment.
“Not my best work, honestly,” she admitted.
“Just happy to be back out after a month of racing, shake off the dust a little bit. It’s a great indicator for us moving forward. A lot to work on, a lot to go and look back at. But grateful for the win.”
Rather than dwell on it, McLaughlin-Levrone is already moving forward. This weekend, she’s set to line up again in the 400m at the Ed Murphey Classic in Memphis. Ed Murphey Classic confirmed the news Instagram.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is on her way to Memphis to challenge the American Record in the open 400m! After a stunning performance at the Prefontaine Classic, she’s still not satisfied! Records might break at the Ed Murphey Classic! Don’t miss out! 🫣😃
While the Ed Murphey Classic lacks the Diamond League prestige of Prefontaine, it offers McLaughlin-Levrone opportunity to test her form and make adjustments. The Memphis meet could be the perfect stage for her to edge closer to the 48.70-second mark, a time she narrowly missed with her personal best of 48.74 at last year’s U.S. Championships.
More than just chasing fast times, McLaughlin-Levrone is chasing feeling. The sense of rhythm, power, and precision that defines her at her best. If Eugene was a tough first step, Memphis may be the reset she needs.