Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles, is competing in the flat 400m at the Toyota USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles, is competing in the flat 400m at the Toyota USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships.

 

 

Eugene, OR — August 9, 2025 — Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning Olympic champion and world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles, is shifting gears this weekend as she lines up for the flat 400 meters at the Toyota USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon.

Known for redefining the limits of the 400m hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone has become one of the most electrifying athletes in track and field. But this week, she’s stepping away from the hurdles to focus on speed and endurance on the flat track — a move that has intrigued fans, analysts, and competitors alike.

“I’m always looking for ways to grow as an athlete,” McLaughlin-Levrone said ahead of her heat. “The flat 400 is an event I’ve trained for extensively, and it’s a great test of pure strength and rhythm. This meet is a perfect opportunity to challenge myself in a different way.”

McLaughlin-Levrone’s personal best in the flat 400m stands at an impressive 48.74 seconds, set in 2023. While she hasn’t raced the distance often, her times are already among the fastest in U.S. history. Her entry into this year’s flat 400m field adds a new layer of excitement to a championship already packed with Olympic hopefuls and emerging stars.

The decision not to compete in the 400m hurdles — her signature event — comes as a surprise to some, but her coach, Bobby Kersee, has emphasized the importance of long-term planning in her Olympic build-up. With the Paris 2024 Games still fresh in memory and another Olympic cycle underway, Kersee and McLaughlin-Levrone are carefully managing her workload and seeking opportunities to diversify her racing portfolio.

“This isn’t about stepping away from hurdles,” Kersee clarified. “It’s about keeping her sharp and giving her the right stimulus at the right time. The 400m flat is an excellent tool for that.”

McLaughlin-Levrone will face strong competition, including defending national champion Talitha Diggs and rising star Britton Wilson, both of whom have clocked sub-50 second performances this season. The race is expected to be one of the highlights of the weekend, with the top finishers earning spots on the U.S. team for the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo next month.

Track and field fans have long speculated about what McLaughlin-Levrone could achieve if she fully committed to the 400m flat. With her trademark smooth stride, mental composure, and unmatched finishing speed, she has the potential to become a global contender in yet another event.

For now, McLaughlin-Levrone remains focused on execution.

“It’s all about the process,” she said. “Whether it’s hurdles or flat, my goal is always to compete with excellence.”

The preliminary rounds of the women’s 400m begin Friday evening at Hayward Field, with the final scheduled for Sunday. All eyes will be on lane assignments and the clock, as one of track and field’s brightest stars takes on a new challenge — and perhaps, sets the stage for another chapter in an already legendary career