Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is a household name in track and field. Her accolades are worthy enough to be a household name across all sports.
McLaughlin-Levrone made a strong case to be considered the best female athlete in the country. The U.S. sprinter made history by winning gold in the women’s 400 with a championship record time of 47.78 at the 2025 World Track and Field Championships in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday, Sept. 18. It’s the second fastest time ever in the history of the event. She’s the first person to win world championship gold medals in the women’s 400 and women’s 400-meter hurdles.
Dominican Republic’s Marileidy Paulino crossed the finish line in a national record time of 47.98 to place second. Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser time of 48.19 was good enough for the bronze medal.
Thursday was the second time McLaughlin-Levrone made history at this year’s World Championships. During the semifinals, McLaughlin-Levrone ran a 48.29 to break Sanya Richards-Ross’ 19-year-old American record (48.70) in the 400, clocking in at 48.29. She topped her own American record Thursday with the second fastest time ever.
McLaughlin-Levrone is the world record holder, two-time Olympic gold medalist and 2022 world champion in the 400 hurdles. The U.S. sprinter can add world champion in the 400 to her résumé now that she accomplished history by owning world championship gold in both one-lap events.
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