Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Wins 400m World Title, Nearly Breaks World Record
Tokyo, Japan — Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone made history at the 2025 World Athletics Championships by winning the women’s 400m final with a stunning time of 47.78 seconds, setting a new championship record and recording the second-fastest time in history for the event.
Just days after breaking the American record in the 400m, the 400m hurdles world record holder showcased her remarkable versatility by dominating the flat 400m race. Her time of 47.78 seconds places her just 0.10 seconds shy of the long-standing world record held by Marita Koch for nearly 40 years, cementing her status as one of the all-time greats in sprinting.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s remarkable performance electrified the crowd. Throughout the race, she maintained a commanding lead, pushing past the Olympic champion and other fierce competitors to cross the finish line ahead by a clear margin. This championship record-breaking run was hailed by commentators and fans alike as one of the finest 400m performances ever witnessed.
Speaking after the race, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed gratitude and pride in her accomplishment, crediting her coach Bobby for instilling belief and preparing her for the moment. She addressed the skepticism she faced when shifting her focus from hurdles to the 400m flat, emphasizing hard work, faith, and resilience as key components of her success:
“It’s kind of just shows that anything really is possible. You just got to work for it and work really hard and just trust the Lord,” she said.
Her transition from hurdles to the 400m without hurdles had raised questions in the track and field community. However, McLaughlin-Levrone has decisively answered those doubts with her impeccable form and halftime strategy, proving she is a dominant force in both disciplines.
This extraordinary achievement at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo not only adds another major title to her resume but also positions Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as a trailblazer poised to rewrite record books in women’s sprinting.
The world will eagerly watch to see if she can surpass Marita Koch’s world record in future competitions, as her 47.78 seconds performance signals a new era in the 400m race.