McLaughlin-Levrone Wins 400m World Title with Historic Time
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone clinched the women's 400 meters world title in Tokyo, recording the fastest time in 40 years at 47.78 seconds.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone secured her first world title in the women's 400 meters at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, clocking 47.78 seconds—the fastest time in the event since 1985. This performance marks her successful transition from the 400-meter hurdles, where she previously dominated with two Olympic golds and a world title.
The race was notably competitive, with reigning Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic finishing second in 47.98 seconds, making her the third-fastest woman in history. Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain claimed bronze with a time of 48.19 seconds.
McLaughlin-Levrone's time is second only to the world record of 47.60 seconds set by East Germany's Marita Koch in 1985. Reflecting on her achievement, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed gratitude for the support from her competitors, stating, "You don't run something like that without amazing women pushing you to it."
This victory adds to McLaughlin-Levrone's impressive track record, including her world record of 50.37 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Looking ahead, she has hinted at the possibility of competing in both the 400 meters and 400-meter hurdles at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.