Eugene, Oregon, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone have a bond that’s become nothing short of historic. The Olympic and world champion has etched her name into the record books at Hayward Field, breaking the world record in the women’s 400m hurdles an astounding four times on that very track. But this Saturday, during the prestigious Prefontaine Classic, Sydney will step onto the same storied surface — only this time, it’s not the 400m hurdles she’s running. It’s the flat 400m.
Yes, you read that right. The queen of the 400m hurdles is switching gears, and the track and field world is watching with bated breath.
McLaughlin-Levrone has redefined the limits of what’s possible in the 400m hurdles. From her breakthrough performance at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials to her jaw-dropping 50.68 world record set at the 2022 World Athletics Championships, all of these moments happened under the bright lights and roaring crowds of Hayward Field. Now, as she prepares to take on the 400m flat at the Diamond League meet, the question everyone is asking is simple: what can Sydney do without the hurdles in her way?
There’s plenty of reason to believe the answer could be something historic.
While McLaughlin-Levrone has not yet reached the same heights in the flat 400m as she has in the hurdles, her sheer dominance over the past few seasons suggests she’s more than capable of delivering something special. In fact, many track enthusiasts and analysts believe that removing the hurdles may allow her to tap into another level of speed — one that’s been somewhat concealed by the technical demands of her primary event.
The Prefontaine Classic, part of the elite Wanda Diamond League circuit, offers the perfect stage for her to do just that. Known for assembling world-class fields and producing electrifying performances, the meet will feature a loaded women’s 400m lineup, and all eyes will be on Sydney. It’s a crucial step in her 2025 season and possibly a preview of what’s to come ahead of the Paris Olympics.
The decision to run the flat 400m may also hint at long-term goals. Could Sydney be considering a double — the 400m hurdles and 400m flat — at a future global championship? Or perhaps she’s simply testing her speed and endurance as part of a broader training plan. Either way, the move is bold, intriguing, and brimming with potential.
Sydney’s relationship with Hayward Field has already produced unforgettable moments that have shaped her legacy. Her return this weekend, though in a different event, carries that same electric possibility. Whether she shatters another personal best or simply gains valuable experience, one thing is certain — when Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone steps on the track, greatness is never far behind.
So as Eugene braces itself for another chapter in this remarkable story, the question lingers: what happens when you unleash one of the world’s fastest athletes — with nothing but open track ahead?
We’re about to find out.
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