Track and field fans are in for a treat later this month as Olympic champion and 400-meter hurdles world-record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is set to take on a brand-new challenge in her professional career. For the first time ever, the two-time Olympic gold medalist will compete in the 100-meter dash at a professional level during the Philadelphia Grand Slam Track meet, scheduled to take place from May 30 to June 1 at the iconic Franklin Field — the historic home of the Penn Relays.
McLaughlin-Levrone has long dominated the 400-meter hurdles, an event in which she has consistently delivered awe-inspiring performances and shattered records. Her signature event has made her a household name in athletics, and she has continued to assert her dominance in the Grand Slam Track series, a new format of competition designed to revolutionize the sport.
Launched with the backing of track legend Michael Johnson, the Grand Slam Track series takes a fresh approach to the sport. It divides athletes into 12 competitive groups based on event type — including men’s and women’s short sprints, long sprints, short hurdles, long hurdles, short distance, and long distance. Each group features head-to-head matchups in two races per meet, with athletes earning points based on their performance. The cumulative points across the series will determine the overall group champions, adding a strategic twist and heightened drama to each meet.
McLaughlin-Levrone has already swept the women’s long hurdles group at the first two Grand Slam meets, held in Kingston and Miami, showcasing her unmatched prowess over the 400-meter hurdles. However, for the Philadelphia leg of the series, she is making a bold shift — moving from the long hurdles to the short hurdles group, which will see her compete in both the 100-meter hurdles and, for the first time professionally, the 100-meter flat sprint.
The decision marks a significant and intriguing moment in McLaughlin-Levrone’s career. While she has never raced the 100 meters at the professional level, she’s no stranger to the event. Back in 2018, during her collegiate days at the University of Kentucky, she clocked an impressive 11.07 seconds in the 100-meter dash — a time that hinted at her explosive potential over shorter distances. That performance, although years ago, puts her within striking range of elite sprinting territory.
Her participation in the 100-meter sprint adds another layer of excitement to an already dynamic Grand Slam Track meet. It will be fascinating to see how her speed and technique translate to the shorter, more explosive race. McLaughlin-Levrone’s strength, power, and competitive fire have made her a standout in the longer hurdles — and those same traits could very well carry over to the 100-meter flat.
As she prepares to toe the line at Franklin Field, all eyes will be on one of track and field’s most electrifying talents. Whether it’s clearing hurdles or sprinting down a straightaway, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone continues to redefine what’s possible in the sport. Her debut in the 100 meters is not just a personal milestone — it’s a moment that could shake up the sprinting world.
Mark your calendars for May 30 to June 1, because history might just be made in Philadelphia.