Track and field fans, the moment you’ve been waiting for is almost here. In just under four hours, two of America’s brightest stars—Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Athing Mu—will return to the same meet for the first time in over a year, electrifying the stage at the 2025 Prefontaine Classic.
This rare alignment of elite talent marks their first joint appearance since June 24, 2023, and anticipation couldn’t be higher. Both women have achieved legendary status in their own right, and now they’re back at the same venue, with back-to-back races that promise to deliver fireworks.
McLaughlin-Levrone, the world record holder and Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles, will take on the 400m flat event, continuing her ambitious pivot into the one-lap sprint. Her race is scheduled to begin at 4:51 PM ET, and with her recent performances sparking headlines, tonight’s race is expected to be another step toward cementing her dominance beyond the hurdles.
Just seven minutes later, at 4:58 PM ET, her Olympic teammate Athing Mu will take the stage in the 800m, an event she has made her own since bursting onto the international scene. Athing Mu, the reigning Olympic and World Champion in the two-lap event, is looking to regain top form and continue her winning ways as the World Championships in Tokyo draw closer.
Both races are part of a star-studded Pre Classic lineup, which has become one of the most prestigious annual events on the global athletics calendar. Held at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, the meet routinely brings together the sport’s biggest names and fiercest rivalries. With World Championship implications in play, today’s performances could have a major impact on how the U.S. team shapes up—and how these two champions position themselves heading into Tokyo.
For McLaughlin-Levrone, this meet is more than just another race. After choosing not to enter the 400m hurdles at the 2025 USATF Outdoor Championships, many believe she’s making a serious push to claim gold in the flat 400m on the world stage. Tonight’s performance will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, as they gauge how she stacks up against a world-class field and what her decision could mean for the sport’s landscape.
Athing Mu, on the other hand, is looking to solidify her grip on the 800m after facing intermittent injury concerns and stiff competition from rising global talent. With her composure, speed, and race IQ, she’s still the woman to beat—but the Pre Classic will be a major test of where she stands heading into the final stretch of the 2025 season.
The excitement doesn’t stop at the track. Viewers in the U.S. can catch all the action live on NBC and Peacock, while international fans can tune in through various networks worldwide. Whether you’re watching from home or lucky enough to be in the stands at Hayward Field, the energy surrounding these back-to-back races is undeniable.
In an era of rising stars and shifting dynamics, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Athing Mu remain the gold standard—and today, they’re giving fans a double dose of elite-level brilliance. Set your reminders, grab your snacks, and get ready for two unforgettable races. Track and field’s golden girls are back.