Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s presence on the track is a rare and coveted experience, a privilege that fans of the sport eagerly await. In an era of constant gratification and endless consumption, McLaughlin-Levrone stands out by choosing quality over quantity. She is an athlete who refuses to be dictated by the demands of fame or the pressures of maintaining constant visibility. Instead, she appears when she is ready, and when she does, it’s nothing short of spectacular.
On Thursday, just a day after celebrating her 25th birthday, McLaughlin-Levrone graced the world stage once again, reminding everyone why she is one of the greatest athletes of her generation. In a much-anticipated showdown against the Netherlands’ star Femke Bol, McLaughlin-Levrone didn’t just defend her Olympic title in the 400-meter hurdles—she shattered her own world record for the sixth time, crossing the finish line in 50.37 seconds. It was a race that left no doubt about her dominance, a masterpiece that showcased her unparalleled talent.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s performance on Thursday was her third Olympic gold medal and her second in the 400-meter hurdles, making her the first woman to repeat as Olympic champion in this event. Her dominance in the sport is reminiscent of the legends who came before her, like Edwin Moses and Glenn Davis, but McLaughlin-Levrone’s achievements stand out in a league of their own.
From a young prodigy who won the under-18 world championship at 15, made her Olympic debut at 16, and turned professional at 19, McLaughlin-Levrone has grown into the all-time great her early promise suggested. Since signing a seven-figure deal with New Balance in 2018, she has accumulated an impressive ten major championships: four U.S. Championships, three World Championships, and now three Olympic golds. And she’s not done yet. McLaughlin-Levrone is set to compete in the women’s 4×400 relay, where she could very well add another gold to her collection.
The only blemish on her record is a silver medal from the 2019 World Championships in Doha, where she finished just .07 seconds behind Dalilah Muhammad, who set a world record in that race. Since then, McLaughlin-Levrone hasn’t lost a 400-meter hurdles race, solidifying her status as the best in the world.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s talent is so immense that she could likely win gold in multiple events if she chose to. She has hinted at trying new challenges, like the mixed relays, but she remains tight-lipped about her future plans. For now, she’s focused on the present.
What made Thursday’s race particularly intriguing was the competition. Bol, the only other woman to have run the 400-meter hurdles in under 52 seconds, was expected to give McLaughlin-Levrone a run for her money. But as the race unfolded, it became clear that Bol was no match for McLaughlin-Levrone’s historic pace. Bol, exhausted from trying to keep up, was overtaken by American Anna Cockrell, who ran the race of her life to win silver in a personal-best time of 51.87 seconds. Bol settled for bronze with a time of 52.15 seconds.
If there’s any downside to McLaughlin-Levrone’s career, it’s the lack of a true rival. Since surpassing Muhammad in Tokyo, she has been in a league of her own, with no one to push her to the brink. The drama that typically surrounds her races evaporates almost immediately after the gun goes off, as it becomes clear that the only competition is the clock.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s biggest challenge now is not other athletes, but her past performances. She may need to explore new events or take on additional challenges to find something that truly tests her limits. But for now, her brilliance on the track is more than enough to captivate audiences.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s approach to her career is a lesson in moderation. She understands that her brilliance is best appreciated in doses, that scarcity only heightens the value of her performances. Whether this is a strategy to manage the pressures of fame or simply her way of prolonging her career, it’s clear that McLaughlin-Levrone is in control of her destiny.
Thursday night’s performance in Paris will go down as one of the most memorable in track and field history. In a venue filled with energy and excitement, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once again delivered a performance that was nothing short of extraordinary. She is a star who shines brightest when she’s on her own terms, and that’s what makes her so special.
