Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once again etched her name into the annals of athletics history by breaking her own 400-meter hurdles world record at the Paris Olympics. In a performance that solidified her status as one of the greatest hurdlers of all time, McLaughlin-Levrone not only defended her Olympic title but also redefined the limits of what’s possible in her sport. Clocking in at a breathtaking 50.37 seconds, she claimed gold for Team USA while setting a new global benchmark — a feat made even more impressive by the technology she had on her feet.
McLaughlin-Levrone ran the historic race wearing the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 spike shoes — a product engineered specifically to maximize energy return, propulsion, and overall efficiency during middle to long-distance track events. These spikes are rapidly becoming the footwear of choice for elite athletes looking to gain a performance edge, and McLaughlin-Levrone’s record-breaking performance is a powerful testament to their capabilities.
After the race, the American hurdler reflected on her journey and the elements that contributed to her triumph. In an interview with Yahoo Sports, she explained, “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 meticulous focus, mental strength, and elite preparation all came together on that memorable day in Paris.
What stood out most, however, was how strong McLaughlin-Levrone felt in the final stretch of the race — typically the most grueling part of a 400-meter hurdle event. She credited the New Balance spikes for helping her maintain that power and control in the closing meters. “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 sponsors for the amazing support system.”
But McLaughlin-Levrone wasn’t the only athlete in Paris to benefit from the cutting-edge technology of New Balance spikes. Fellow New Balance runner Femke Bol of the Netherlands also competed in the 400m hurdles wearing the same FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 spikes and secured a bronze medal with a time of 52.15 seconds. Meanwhile, American Anna Cockrell put in a stellar performance to claim the silver, completing a podium dominated by athletes at the top of their game.
Adding further prestige to the FuelCell spike’s growing legacy, Gabby Thomas, another New Balance athlete, donned the MD-X v3s to secure gold in the women’s 200 meters — proving that the impact of these shoes extends across disciplines.
The New Balance FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 spike shoes are quickly earning a reputation as a secret weapon for elite sprinters and hurdlers. Blending innovative design with elite performance features, they are becoming an essential component in championship performances on the world’s biggest stages.
As McLaughlin-Levrone continues to ascend into legendary status, it’s clear that both her remarkable talent and her tools of the trade — like these groundbreaking spikes — are redefining the future of track and field.