Track and field fans, mark your calendars. One of the sport’s most electrifying athletes, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, is making her highly anticipated return to the 400m at the 2024 Prefontaine Classic. Set to be broadcast live on NBC and Peacock on July 5, this race promises not just a thrilling competition, but a deeper insight into where the 400m hurdles world record holder stands in her pursuit of dominance across flat sprints as well.
McLaughlin-Levrone, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and multiple-time world record breaker, has long been celebrated for her supremacy in the 400m hurdles. However, in recent seasons, fans and analysts have been captivated by her growing involvement in the flat 400m—a move that has sparked speculation about her goals for the upcoming World Championships and even the 2028 Olympics.
Her scheduled appearance at the Pre Classic is more than just another race. It’s a signal that McLaughlin-Levrone is sharpening her focus on broader sprint challenges. The 400m flat, often seen as one of the most grueling events in track and field, offers a different test of strength and speed. For McLaughlin-Levrone, it presents an opportunity to expand her legacy and showcase her versatility on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
The Prefontaine Classic, held annually at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, is part of the prestigious Wanda Diamond League series and serves as a magnet for the world’s top track and field talent. Sydney’s participation instantly elevates the women’s 400m to a must-watch event. Given the depth of the field expected this year, including international contenders and rising American stars, the race could produce one of the fastest times of the season—and potentially even rewrite history.
This race also carries deeper meaning for McLaughlin-Levrone and her supporters. After a challenging 2023 season that saw her withdraw from the World Championships due to a knee injury, many were eager to see how she would rebound in 2024. Though she skipped several Diamond League meets earlier this year, her choice to race at the Pre Classic suggests she is timing her peak carefully, aligning her season with the bigger picture: global championships and long-term legacy.
Beyond her athletic prowess, Sydney’s presence draws global attention due to her grace, poise, and the narrative surrounding her evolving career. Her coach, the legendary Bobby Kersee, has hinted at major goals ahead, and the Pre Classic could be a significant chapter in that unfolding story.
For fans eager to see Sydney back in action—and for those new to the sport who have heard the buzz—tuning in on July 5 is a must. Coverage will be available live on NBC and streaming on Peacock, bringing the action from Eugene directly into homes across the country and around the world.
Whether you’re a diehard track fan or simply appreciate witnessing greatness in motion, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in the 400m at the Pre Classic is a moment you won’t want to miss. It’s not just a race—it’s the beginning of something bigger.