Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Plans to Tackle Long Sprints and Short Hurdles at Upcoming Events
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, one of the most dominant and versatile athletes in track and field today, has made it clear that she intends to shake up her competitive schedule by expanding into new events. Following a period of unparalleled success in the 400-meter hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone recently shared her exciting plans to potentially compete in the long sprints (200 meters and 400 meters) at the LA Slam and take on the short hurdles (100-meter hurdles or 100 meters) at the Philly event. Her bold statement is likely to send ripples through the world of athletics, as the 24-year-old looks to push the boundaries of her already impressive career.
Known for her grace and power over the 400-meter hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone has rewritten the history books. Her world record-breaking performance in 2022, where she clocked a time of 51.41 seconds, made her the first woman to run under 52 seconds in the event, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s greatest. This victory capped a remarkable ascent to the top of the world stage, and many wondered whether she would continue to dominate the 400-meter hurdles or pivot to other events.
In her conversation with broadcaster Radzi, McLaughlin-Levrone was candid about her desire to explore new challenges, revealing that she is eyeing the long sprints — specifically the 200 meters and 400 meters — for her next major competition. These races will allow her to showcase her speed over distances that require different endurance and pacing strategies than the 400-meter hurdles. Though McLaughlin-Levrone has never raced the 400 meters in an elite setting, her strength and agility in the hurdles suggest that she could make an immediate impact in the open 400 meters.
The 200 meters would also be a natural extension of her sprinting prowess. McLaughlin-Levrone has demonstrated tremendous acceleration in her previous hurdles performances, and this skill would translate well to the shorter sprints. Competing in the 200 meters would also allow her to test her ability to maintain speed over a flat, curve-heavy course, which could further develop her versatility as an athlete.
What makes this development even more intriguing is McLaughlin-Levrone’s willingness to dive into the 100-meter hurdles or the 100 meters. The latter is a completely different challenge than the 400-meter hurdles. While the 100-meter hurdles requires explosive bursts of speed and impeccable technique to clear the barriers quickly, the 100 meters is all about flat-out speed and acceleration from start to finish. These disciplines may seem far removed from McLaughlin-Levrone’s previous focus on the 400-meter hurdles, but the fact that she is considering them demonstrates a willingness to step outside her comfort zone and experiment with new skill sets.
This isn’t the first time McLaughlin-Levrone has hinted at diversifying her event roster. In interviews prior to the 2024 season, she spoke about wanting to challenge herself in new areas of track and field. Her announcement about the LA Slam and Philly events confirms that these musings were not merely idle talk but a serious commitment to evolving as an athlete.
In an era where athletes are increasingly expected to specialize in a particular discipline, McLaughlin-Levrone’s decision to venture into multiple events is a bold one. Historically, track and field athletes often concentrate on just one or two events in order to master the technical aspects of those disciplines. However, there is a growing trend toward versatility, with some athletes experimenting across disciplines to broaden their capabilities. McLaughlin-Levrone’s decision reflects this shift, and it will be fascinating to see how her move into the long sprints and short hurdles plays out.
Her entry into the LA Slam and Philly events could also raise the stakes in what promises to be a highly competitive 2024 season. McLaughlin-Levrone will be joining a field of world-class sprinters and hurdlers, all vying for supremacy in their respective events. Her presence in these competitions will not only add a new layer of excitement for fans but also serve as a reminder of her extraordinary talent and drive.
Regardless of the events she chooses to focus on, one thing is clear: McLaughlin-Levrone’s career is far from over. Her willingness to diversify her competition schedule is a testament to her unrelenting commitment to growth and excellence. As she prepares for the LA Slam and the Philly event, the athletics world will be watching closely, eager to see how this trailblazing athlete continues to break new ground in her career.
