Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is back and she’s not just reclaiming her throne; she’s redefining the limits of what’s possible in track and field. After a brief hiatus in 2023 due to a knee injury, the reigning Olympic champion and world record-holder in the 400m hurdles has returned with a vengeance in 2025, proving that no hurdle—literal or metaphorical—is too high or too short for her to conquer.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s comeback began with a commanding performance at the Edwin Moses Legends Meet in Atlanta, where she clocked a world-leading 52.70 seconds in her first 400m hurdles race in nearly two years. This marked the ninth-fastest time of her career and signaled that she was not only back but still at the top of her game.
Her dominance continued in the inaugural Grand Slam Track series, a new global league spearheaded by sprint legend Michael Johnson. As the first athlete to sign with the league, McLaughlin-Levrone has embraced its innovative format, which requires athletes to compete in two events per meet. She has already secured victories in both the 400m hurdles and the 400m flat races at events in Kingston and Miami, earning maximum points and substantial prize money.
Not content with dominating her signature event, McLaughlin-Levrone is now expanding her repertoire. She is set to make her professional debut in the 100m flat at the upcoming Grand Slam meet in Philadelphia, marking her first race in the event since her collegiate days at the University of Kentucky. This move underscores her versatility and ambition to excel across multiple disciplines.
Her relentless pursuit of excellence has not gone unnoticed. Michael Johnson, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, has praised McLaughlin-Levrone for her “all-business” approach to the sport, noting the similarities between their competitive mindsets. He emphasized that her focus and dedication are key factors in her continued success.
Looking ahead, McLaughlin-Levrone has her sights set on the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo. After missing the 2023 edition due to injury, she is eager to reclaim her position on the global stage and face off against top competitors like Femke Bol. With her current form and unwavering determination, she is poised to add more accolades to her already illustrious career.
In a sport where athletes often specialize in a single event, McLaughlin-Levrone’s ability to excel across multiple disciplines sets her apart. Her comeback is not just a return to form; it’s a bold statement that she is continually evolving and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in track and field. As she continues to shatter records and expand her horizons, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone remains a formidable force, proving that no hurdle is insurmountable.