Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s voice carried a rare mix of reverence and admiration as she addressed the media after the Jamaican Grand Slam Track meet.
“Dalilah, you truly did just change the game for all of us,” she said.
“Seeing you break that world record after so long of it being there just inspired all of us.”
The moment wasn’t scripted, it was a champion acknowledging another. Because while the record books may show Sydney’s dominance in recent years, Dalilah Muhammad reminded the world in April 2025 that her legacy is far from over.
The track and field world has shifted, with new stars rising and records falling. What truly sets Muhammad apart is not just her accolades, but her relentless refusal to fade quietly from the sport’s spotlight. After two consecutive losses to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone earlier in the season, doubt crept in.Â
The answer came swiftly, and emphatically, on April 12 at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix. In front of a roaring crowd at Gaborone’s National Stadium, Muhammad delivered a masterclass in perseverance. She won the race in 53.81 seconds, marking the fifth-fastest April time ever in women’s 400m hurdles history.
The Botswana race showcased not just speed, but resilience, silencing critics and proving experience still triumphs in a youth-driven sport. Competitors like Cassandra Tate and Zene Geldenhuys, both in their prime, trailed behind her.Â
In an era where athletes often retire before 30, Muhammad is rewriting the narrative. She isn’t just running, she’s redefining what longevity looks like in track and field.
Just weeks before her Botswana triumph, Muhammad faced Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone twice at the Grand Slam Track opener in Jamaica. Competing in both the 400m hurdles and the flat 400m, Muhammad finished second in the hurdles (54.69) and third in the 400m (52.21). While the headlines celebrated Sydney’s victories, those who understood the sport recognized Muhammad’s brilliance.
At an age when most athletes have retired, she was going toe-to-toe with the world’s best, and holding her own. The six-figure winner’s purse eluded her, but for Muhammad, the real prize was the fight itself.
If this is truly Dalilah Muhammad’s final season, she’s ensuring it’s unforgettable. Every race feels like a statement, every finish line crossed a defiance of time. Whether she secures another major title or not, her legacy is secure. She’s not just a former champion; she’s a living lesson in resilience.
For Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and future hurdlers, Dalilah Muhammad’s career is a blueprint for competing, enduring, and uplifting the sport. And if her 2025 season has taught us anything, it’s this, Never count out a legend.
