At the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once again etched her name into history by breaking her own world record in the women’s 400-meter hurdles. Already regarded as one of the greatest hurdlers of all time, McLaughlin-Levrone continues to elevate her dominance as she enters the prime of her career.
Winning gold for Team USA, McLaughlin-Levrone defended her Olympic title with a remarkable time of 50.37 seconds, shaving precious fractions off her previous best. However, her groundbreaking performance wasn’t fueled by sheer talent and training alone. Her footwear played a significant role: McLaughlin-Levrone competed wearing the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 track spikes — a choice that proved to be instrumental in her record-setting race.
These cutting-edge spikes are engineered specifically for maximizing propulsion, efficiency, and energy return, particularly in middle- to long-distance track events. Designed to deliver peak performance, the FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 model provided McLaughlin-Levrone the support she needed to maintain her speed and strength, especially during the crucial final stretch of the race.
Reflecting on her achievement, McLaughlin-Levrone shared with Yahoo Sports, “I came here with a goal to win gold but had to handle it one race at a time, focus on myself, control what I could control, and improve each time.” Her words highlighted the discipline and focus that fueled her success, but she also acknowledged the vital role her gear and support system played.
The American star emphasized how strong she felt in the later stages of the race — a phase where athletes often begin to fade. “I felt so strong in the backend of the race, but the moment I crossed the finish line, I couldn’t believe it,” she said. “To win my second gold medal in the 400m hurdles and break my own world record is such a blessing. I’m so thankful for my team, my coach, my family, and my sponsors for the amazing support system.”
McLaughlin-Levrone wasn’t the only one benefitting from New Balance’s innovation. Dutch star Femke Bol, another New Balance athlete, also laced up the FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 for the race. Bol put in a strong performance and captured the bronze medal with a time of 52.15 seconds. Meanwhile, American hurdler Anna Cockrell claimed silver, making it a memorable day for Team USA.
Beyond the hurdles, the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 spikes made their mark elsewhere on the track. Sprinter Gabby Thomas, also a New Balance-sponsored athlete, donned the same spike model during her electrifying gold-medal run in the women’s 200 meters. Thomas’s success further cemented the reputation of the FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 as a game-changer at the highest levels of competition.
With athletes like McLaughlin-Levrone, Bol, Cockrell, and Thomas delivering historic performances in Paris, it’s clear that New Balance’s technological advancements are giving Olympians a critical edge. The FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 spikes have proven to be more than just shoes — they have become an essential part of what many are calling an athlete’s secret weapon on the Olympic stage.
As McLaughlin-Levrone celebrates another golden chapter in her career, she also highlights how innovation, preparation, and passion together create greatness — both on and off the track.