The wait is finally over—race day has arrived, and all eyes are on Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as she takes to the track tonight in the women’s 400m at the 2025 Ed Murphey Classic. Known globally for her record-breaking dominance in the 400m hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone will instead focus on the flat 400 this evening, continuing her foray into the open quarter-mile sprint as the World Championships draw closer.
The highly anticipated race is scheduled to begin at 10:15 PM ET and will be streamed live on the FloTrack YouTube channel, offering fans around the world a front-row seat to what promises to be a thrilling showdown.
McLaughlin-Levrone won’t have an easy path to victory, though. She will line up against a deep and competitive field that includes notable sprinters Britton Wilson, Talitha Diggs, and Lynna Irby-Jackson, all of whom bring strong credentials to the track. Each athlete is hungry for a statement performance, and with McLaughlin-Levrone’s participation adding intensity to the event, the stakes feel even higher.
This race comes amid a pivotal moment in McLaughlin-Levrone’s 2025 campaign. The reigning Olympic and World Champion in the 400m hurdles made headlines earlier this week when it was confirmed that she had entered only the 400m flat at the USATF Outdoor Championships, signaling a potential shift in her competitive focus. That decision sparked plenty of conversation across the track and field world, particularly given its implications for her rivalry with Dutch superstar Femke Bol in the hurdles.
Tonight’s race, then, is not only an exciting contest in its own right—it could also serve as a key indicator of McLaughlin-Levrone’s form and mindset as she gears up for the World Championships in Tokyo. While she remains eligible for a wildcard entry into the hurdles as reigning world champion, some believe she may be leaning fully into the flat 400m, where her raw speed and impeccable technique could make her a contender for double gold in Tokyo.
Her presence at the Ed Murphey Classic is also a treat for fans of the sport, as McLaughlin-Levrone rarely races outside of major championships or top-tier Diamond League meetings. The Memphis-based event, part of the American Track League, continues to grow in prominence, and having an athlete of McLaughlin-Levrone’s caliber only boosts its reputation further.
The field she’ll face tonight is stacked with talent. Britton Wilson, who has excelled in both the 400m flat and hurdles, is one of the strongest American quarter-milers and will be looking to challenge Sydney stride-for-stride. Talitha Diggs, the 2022 NCAA champion, brings both speed and consistency, while Lynna Irby-Jackson’s experience on national and international stages makes her a dangerous competitor.
As the clock ticks down to the 10:15 PM start time, anticipation is building. Will McLaughlin-Levrone continue her steady rise in the flat 400 and lay down a statement performance? Or will one of her challengers rise to the occasion?
Tune in live on FloTrack’s YouTube channel and don’t miss a moment of this marquee matchup under the lights.