All eyes will be on Memphis, Tennessee this Saturday as the prestigious Ed Murphey Classic hosts one of the most anticipated events of the track and field summer—the women’s 400 meters. Headlining the race is none other than Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who is set to return to the one-lap event amidst a stacked field of competitors eager to test themselves against the best.
The Ed Murphey Classic, part of the World Athletics Continental Tour Silver series, has quickly grown into one of the premier meets on the U.S. summer circuit. Known for attracting top-tier talent and producing fast times, this year’s edition promises high drama, especially in the women’s 400m, where McLaughlin-Levrone will compete against a field packed with both rising stars and seasoned veterans.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s return to the 400m has generated plenty of buzz, as she’s spent recent seasons focusing on the 400m hurdles—a race she has dominated globally, breaking the world record multiple times and winning Olympic and world titles in the process. However, she has expressed renewed interest in the flat 400m, especially with the 2025 World Championships and 2026 Olympics on the horizon. Saturday’s race will serve as a key test of where she stands in the event heading into the next phase of her career.
Though she brings unmatched credentials, McLaughlin-Levrone won’t have an easy path to the finish line. The field assembled for the 400m features some of the best talent from across the country—and beyond. Among the names joining her on the starting line are NCAA standouts, seasoned professionals, and international competitors, all eager to challenge the reigning queen of the one-lap race.
Expect athletes like Talitha Diggs, Lynna Irby-Jackson, and Jaide Stepter Baynes to push the pace. Diggs, the 2022 NCAA champion, has been steadily climbing the ranks and recently clocked sub-51-second performances, showcasing the kind of speed and endurance needed to challenge McLaughlin-Levrone. Irby-Jackson, a U.S. Olympian and seasoned competitor, brings experience and tactical savvy to the race. Stepter Baynes, known for her consistency and closing speed, could also be a dark horse in what promises to be a thrilling contest.
What makes the Ed Murphey Classic especially compelling is that it offers both a competitive atmosphere and a relaxed, fan-friendly environment—an ideal setting for athletes to perform at their best. The 400m showdown, in particular, is expected to be the centerpiece of the meet, drawing national attention and possibly delivering one of the season’s most memorable finishes.
For McLaughlin-Levrone, this race is more than just another appearance—it’s a stepping stone toward potential future dominance in a second event. For the rest of the field, it’s an opportunity to make a statement on a major stage and potentially take down one of the most decorated athletes in track and field.
One thing’s for sure: come Saturday, the women’s 400 meters at the Ed Murphey Classic will be must-watch action, as the reigning legend and a field of hungry challengers go all out in the heart of Memphis.