Reigning Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has set a standard so high that it has forced her competitors to elevate their game in ways previously unimaginable.
What was once considered an elite barrier, breaking 53 seconds, has now become the benchmark for greatness, thanks in large part to McLaughlin-Levrone’s dominance.
Anderson Emerole, speaking on The Final Leg Track & Field podcast captured the gravity of what’s happening in the event.
“We’re talking about less than 30 women having broken the 53-second barrier all-time in the history of the event. And only four women have actually gone under the 52-second barrier. So there really is something special to say when an athlete runs 52 seconds.”
Yet, in today’s landscape, times that would have been legendary a decade ago are now expected. Femke Bol, the Dutch phenom, has been a prime example of this shift. After a blistering 52.51 in Hengelo, her second sub-52.6 performance of the season, she’s proving that McLaughlin-Levrone’s influence isn’t just about records; it’s about raising the entire field.
Dalilah Muhammad’s Defiant Resurgence
At 34, most athletes in the grueling 400m hurdles would be winding down. 2016 Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad, is staging a career resurgence, and it’s no coincidence that her resurgence aligns with McLaughlin-Levrone’s reign.
In Stockholm, Muhammad shattered a 39-year-old world masters record (for women 35 and over) with a stunning 52.91. This was a statement Muhammad is pushing forward, chasing times that once seemed impossible.
The relentless drive to keep up with McLaughlin-Levrone.
“Their rivalry may have tilted in favor of the younger star, but this season, Muhammad has been quietly clawing her way back. Each race closing the gap, each stride reclaiming her place,” as noted in her recent performances in Kingston and Oslo.
The Ripple Effect of Excellence
McLaughlin-Levrone’s impact goes beyond her own races. By setting an unprecedented standard, including her jaw-dropping 50.68 world record, she has forced her competitors to adapt or be left behind.
Femke Bol has transformed from a European standout to a global threat, consistently flirting with 52-second performances. Dalilah Muhammad, once the dominant force, has found new motivation to push her limits well into her 30s.
Emerole summed it up perfectly:
“It’s no longer just about who wins. It’s about how fast they can make each other go.”
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone may be the one setting records, but her true legacy is the elevation of the entire event.