Chasing History: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Record-Breaking Run at the 2025 World Championships

The stadium buzzed with anticipation as Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone stepped onto the track at the 2025 World Championships. The crowd knew history could be made, but few expected just how electrifying the moment would become. In the semifinals of the 400 meters, McLaughlin-Levrone surged past the competition and crossed the finish line in a breathtaking 48.29 seconds, shattering Sonya Richards-Ross’s 19-year-old American record. It was the fastest time recorded anywhere in the world that year.

“I wasn’t expecting that,” McLaughlin-Levrone admitted, her voice tinged with disbelief and joy as reporters gathered around her. “It is a confidence boost…and it makes me feel good.”

For years, fans watched McLaughlin-Levrone dominate the 400m hurdles, where she set the world record of 50.37 at the 2024 Paris Olympics. But the question always lingered: what could she do in the open 400 meters?

Guided by legendary coach Bobby Kersee, McLaughlin-Levrone embarked on a new quest. Her first professional 400-meter race came on June 9, 2023, in Paris. She finished second to Marileidy Paulino, clocking an impressive 49.71 seconds—a sign of what was to come. One month later in Eugene, Oregon, she nearly toppled Richards-Ross’s record with a 48.74 finish.

Determined to sharpen her speed, McLaughlin-Levrone spent the next two years competing in shorter sprints. She claimed victory in the 200 meters at the Los Angeles Grand Prix in 2024, outrunning specialists like Gabby Thomas and Abby Steiner. On June 1, 2025, she made her professional 100-meter debut in Philadelphia, finishing second with a time of 11.21 seconds.

Each race was a stepping stone, building momentum for the World Championships in Tokyo. Looking back, McLaughlin-Levrone reflected on her idol, Richards-Ross: “I grew up watching her do amazing things. I am grateful for her how she has helped Team USA and women in our sport.”

Now, with the world watching, McLaughlin-Levrone prepares for the race of her life, facing Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain and Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic on September 18th. The stage is set for another unforgettable chapter in her remarkable journey.