Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Backed for Surprisingly Poor Performance as American Legend Jumps to Track and Field Star’s Defense.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the fastest woman in 400m hurdles history, isn’t one to back down from a challenge. On May 31, she took on a new test at Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track event in Philadelphia: her first professional 100m hurdles race. At 25, it wasn’t just another event for the Olympic champion it was a leap into unfamiliar territory.

“Just being able to do hard things and face the best,” Sydney said ahead of the race.

Her debut didn’t mirror the dominance she’s shown in the 400m hurdles. Though she clocked a strong 11.21 seconds, she didn’t take the win. Jamaica’s Ackera Nugent won with 11.11 seconds, edging out McLaughlin-Levrone. Despite the loss, Sydney was proud of her effort.

“It wasn’t my cleanest race, but I’m content,” she said. “There’s a lot to work on. I popped up too soon, no drive phase. Still, I’m proud.”

Track legend Justin Gatlin, on his Ready Set Go podcast, praised Sydney’s effort, noting she only had two weeks to prepare. “This isn’t just a shorter version of the 400 hurdles,” Gatlin explained. “It’s a whole different technical challenge.”

Gatlin pointed out that Sydney held her own early in the race, staying stride for stride with some of the world’s best. But between hurdles five and seven, her timing slipped. As others snapped down quickly, she hesitated, clipping hurdle seven and losing momentum. Ultimately, she placed fifth in 12.70 seconds her lowest major finish since the 2016 Olympics, when she was just 16.

Still, this isn’t the same teenage phenom. She’s now a seasoned star, taking risks and evolving. In the 2025 season, Sydney has continued to shine, with victories in the 400m hurdles and flat 400m. Her 49.69 in Miami placed her sixth on the global list, and her 52.07 in the hurdles was the year’s best so far.

Yet, despite her form, Sydney didn’t make the Track and Field Gazette’s top three rankings for June 1. Instead, Salwa Eid Naser, with her blazing 48.67 in Kingston, topped the list. Naser’s dominance, however, wavered in Philly disqualified in the 400m, fourth in the 200m, and seventh overall in sprint standings.

While rankings tell one story, Sydney’s journey speaks louder. In Philadelphia, she chose reflection over excuses. “Took a risk, and regret nothing! Hills and valleys alike make the journey beautiful,” she posted on Instagram.

Her message resonated, especially through one striking photo in her post: Muhammad Ali, slumped in the corner after his 1980 loss to Larry Holmes. For some, it was a throwback. For others, it was a metaphor for resilience, for grit, for redefining greatness.

For McLaughlin-Levrone, it’s not always about winning. It’s about stepping into new arenas, taking hits, and rising stronger.