When Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone steps onto the track, eyes around the world are watching. The reigning queen of the 400-meter hurdles and a four-time Olympic gold medalist has already secured her place in history. But this time, at the Grand Slam Track meet in Philadelphia, she’s choosing to challenge herself in an entirely new way — by entering the highly competitive short hurdles bracket.
Yes, you read that right. The woman who has made the 400m hurdles her personal domain, breaking the world record multiple times and redefining what’s possible in that event, is stepping down in distance to contest the 100m hurdles — a race where explosive starts, lightning-quick reactions, and flawless technique are everything.
This decision comes as the biggest headline leading into the third leg of the Grand Slam Track’s inaugural season, set for May 31 in Philadelphia. With the eyes of the track and field world on her, McLaughlin-Levrone is not only shaking up the field but also reaffirming her reputation as one of the sport’s most fearless and versatile athletes.
The Grand Slam Track series has quickly emerged as a transformative force in professional athletics. Built on a fast-paced, entertainment-driven model, it’s awarded over $6 million in prize money across just two events this year. Each meet is designed to deliver drama, elite performances, and high-stakes matchups — and McLaughlin-Levrone’s entry into the short hurdles adds a whole new layer of intrigue.
Her decision to switch events is not just bold — it’s historic. Few athletes dominate one discipline to the extent that she has and then voluntarily leap into another, especially one as technically demanding as the 100m hurdles. It’s a move that speaks to McLaughlin-Levrone’s competitive fire, her love for the sport, and her unrelenting desire to push her own boundaries.
Although the short hurdles are typically filled with specialists — athletes who have honed their craft over years, focusing solely on the rhythm and explosiveness required to clear 10 barriers in under 13 seconds — McLaughlin-Levrone’s incredible speed, athleticism, and championship pedigree make her an instant contender. Fans and fellow competitors alike are eager to see how she’ll match up against the best in this ultra-competitive field.
And it’s not just about curiosity or spectacle. With big prize money and critical points on the line in the Grand Slam Track standings, McLaughlin-Levrone is coming in to win — not just participate. The bracket format used in the league, which features elimination-style heats culminating in a final, promises edge-of-your-seat excitement and no room for error. For Sydney, it’s a new arena with all the pressure and none of the comfort that comes with being a dominant favorite.
Still, if there’s one thing the world has learned about McLaughlin-Levrone, it’s that she thrives in pressure. Whether it’s setting world records or delivering golden moments on the sport’s biggest stages, she consistently rises to the occasion.
As Philadelphia gears up for what is sure to be a thrilling weekend of track and field, all eyes will be on the short hurdles — and on the woman who’s never been afraid to chase greatness from a different starting line. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is back, and she’s out to prove that no hurdle is too high — or too short — for her to conquer.