EUGENE, Ore. (July 8) – Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the dominant force in the 400m hurdles, showcased her remarkable versatility by securing victory in the flat 400m event at the 2023 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships here at Hayward Field on the campus of the University of Oregon on Saturday.
Clocking an impressive world-leading time of 48.74 seconds, McLaughlin-Levrone’s performance underlined her ambition to conquer the one-lap race and ultimately challenge the longstanding world record of 47.60 seconds set by Marita Koch in 1985.
READ MORE: Sha’Carri Richardson blazed wind-aided 21.61secs at USA Championships
The reigning world champion and world record holder in the 400m hurdles has shifted her focus towards the flat race this season, seeking to extend her dominance beyond her specialized event. She came very close to breaking Sanya Richards-Ross American record of 48.70 tonight. Richards-Ross is the 2012 Olympic champion.
McLaughlin-Levrone Happy To Challenge Herself
McLaughlin-Levrone’s decision to step outside her comfort zone exemplifies the drive and ambition of a true champion. In her own words, she expressed her desire to join the ranks of track and field’s all-time greats, stating, “The greats always push themselves, and I want to be one of them.”
College stars Britton Wilson and Talitha Diggs followed McLaughlin-Levrone home tonight in the women’s 400m finals at the 2023 Toyota USATF Outdoor Championship.
Wilson ran 49.79 seconds for second place while defending national champion Diggs fought hard to set a new personal best of 49.93secs to complete the U.S. 400m team at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest later this year.
Read more: Full 2023 USATF NYC Grand Prix results (June 24)
Before the brilliant performance from McLaughlin-Levrone, the world-leading time entering this weekend was held by Olympic and world champion Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic, at 48.98.
For the world’s top list, click to visit the World Athletics website.
