Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone made history at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo by winning gold in the women’s 400m with a time of 47.78 seconds, the second-fastest performance in history and a new American record. The mark trails only Marita Koch’s long-standing world record of 47.60 set in 1985, making McLaughlin-Levrone the fastest woman over the distance in nearly 40 years. The victory also cemented her as the first athlete to win world titles in both the 400m hurdles and the flat 400m.

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Earlier in the meet, she signaled her form by running 48.29 in the semifinals, breaking the previous U.S. record of 48.70 held by Sanya Richards-Ross. In the final, despite rainy conditions, McLaughlin-Levrone executed with control and strength, finishing ahead of Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino, who ran 47.98 for silver, and Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain, who took bronze in 48.19.

Her shift from the hurdles to the flat 400m has added a new dimension to her career, expanding her dominance on the track. With her 47.78 performance, she has moved within striking distance of the world record and opened the door for future attempts. The race underscored not only her ability to win under pressure but also her potential to push the boundaries of one of the sport’s most enduring records.

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