Track and field fans, mark your calendars—history is about to be made. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning queen of the 400-meter hurdles, is stepping into unfamiliar territory. The world-record holder and two-time Olympic champion will run her first-ever professional 100-meter race at the Philadelphia Grand Slam Track meet, scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 1 at the iconic Franklin Field, home of the Penn Relays.
While McLaughlin-Levrone has long dominated the 400m hurdles—setting world records and clinching Olympic gold in the process—her decision to drop down to the 100-meter flat sprint marks a bold new chapter in her athletic journey. This announcement came from the Grand Slam athletics circuit on Friday, signaling a significant shift for the track star and heightening anticipation for an already exciting event.
The Grand Slam Track series, spearheaded by Olympic legend Michael Johnson, offers a fresh spin on traditional track and field competitions. Rather than the standard format, athletes compete in 12 unique groups across a wide range of disciplines. These include men’s and women’s short sprints, long sprints, short and long hurdles, and both short and long-distance events. Each group races twice per meet, with accumulated points determining the overall champion of each category.
So far this season, McLaughlin-Levrone has been nothing short of dominant in her usual arena. She swept the women’s long hurdles group in the first two Grand Slam meets in Kingston and Miami, reaffirming her status as the undisputed champion of her signature event. But in Philadelphia, she will be switching gears—literally and figuratively—by competing in the women’s short hurdles group. This includes the 100-meter hurdles and, for the first time in her professional career, the 100-meter flat sprint.
Although she is best known for her performances in the long hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone is no stranger to shorter distances. In 2018, while competing collegiately for the University of Kentucky, she clocked an impressive 11.07 seconds in the 100 meters. That time, recorded more than six years ago, still stands as a testament to her raw speed and versatility. However, this upcoming race will be her first opportunity to test herself in the 100m at the professional level, where the competition is faster and fiercer than ever.
Her entry into this event adds a layer of intrigue to the Philadelphia meet, drawing interest from fans, analysts, and fellow athletes alike. Can the 400m hurdles superstar hold her own against seasoned 100m sprinters? Will her explosive strength and impeccable technique translate to the shorter dash?
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: McLaughlin-Levrone’s participation is a win for the sport. It not only showcases her willingness to take risks and push boundaries but also adds star power to an already dynamic and innovative track meet.
As the countdown to the Philadelphia Grand Slam meet begins, all eyes will be on Franklin Field. And when Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone lines up for the 100 meters, it won’t just be a race—it will be a moment to remember.