Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning world record holder in the women’s 400-meter hurdles, made a stunning appearance at the Philly Grand Slam Track Meet, running a time of 12.70 seconds in the 100-meter hurdles. This performance marks a significant moment in her career, not only because it’s a strong time in an event she rarely competes in, but also because it underscores her extraordinary versatility and raw athleticism.
McLaughlin-Levrone is best known for her dominance in the 400-meter hurdles, where she shattered world records and redefined the limits of what is possible in that event. Her time of 50.68 seconds in the 400m hurdles at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene is still considered one of the greatest performances in track and field history. Yet, despite her accolades in that discipline, McLaughlin-Levrone’s 12.70 in the 100-meter hurdles reminds the world that her speed and technique are transferable across hurdle events.
What makes this performance even more impressive is that McLaughlin-Levrone has had limited competitive experience in the 100-meter hurdles at the professional level. While she did run the event during her high school and early collegiate years, she has largely focused on the 400-meter hurdles and flat 400 meters since turning pro. To come out and run a time that places her among the top hurdlers in the world, without specialized preparation for this sprint hurdle event, is a testament to her elite talent and world-class form.
The race at the Philly Grand Slam was hotly anticipated, and McLaughlin-Levrone did not disappoint. She exploded out of the blocks with a crisp start, maintained smooth hurdle clearance, and accelerated through the final meters, showcasing both speed and technical finesse. A time of 12.70 would typically qualify for a U.S. Championship final or even a global semifinal, depending on conditions. It’s a mark that situates her among the top performers in the country for the 2024 season and fuels speculation about whether she may consider doubling in both the 100-meter hurdles and the 400-meter hurdles at future championships.
Moreover, this performance adds intrigue to the build-up for the U.S. Olympic Trials. While McLaughlin-Levrone is still expected to focus primarily on the 400m hurdles, her run in the sprint hurdles indicates that her training is going extremely well. It also raises the possibility that she may experiment with new events in the years to come—perhaps even aiming to become the first woman in history to seriously contend in both the 100m hurdles and 400m hurdles at the Olympics.
For now, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s 12.70 at the Philly Grand Slam serves as a sharp reminder: she is not just a 400m hurdler—she is an all-around hurdling phenom, and her ceiling may be even higher than previously imagined.