The American star, already a two-time Olympic gold medalist and six-time world record breaker in the 400m hurdles, had long eyed the flat 400m world record set by Marita Koch in 1985. Koch’s time of 47.60 seconds has stood for nearly four decades, a mark that had seemed untouchable until McLaughlin-Levrone’s recent form put it within reach. Before this race, no woman had approached within half a second of Koch’s record. Koch’s era in East Germany was shrouded in controversy, but she never tested positive for PEDs and consistently denied any doping allegations, as detailed by Olympic historians such as the OlyMADMen.
The 400m final saw McLaughlin-Levrone outpace a competitive field. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone led the pack, with Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic taking silver in 47.98 and Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain claiming bronze with a time of 48.19. Rounding out the top five were Natalia Bukowiecka (Poland) at 49.27 and Amber Anning (Great Britain) at 49.36.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s achievement is even more remarkable considering her versatility. While she has not yet announced her plans for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, she has previously hinted at the possibility of competing in both the 400m hurdles and the flat 400m at future global championships. Her performance not only underscores her dominance but also opens discussions among analysts and bookmakers regarding her potential to break Koch’s long-standing world record and to complete a rare double in major championships.
Elsewhere at the championships, Noah Lyles continued his bid to match Usain Bolt’s record of four consecutive world 200m titles, qualifying for the men’s 200m final with a season-best 19.51 seconds. Lyles will be joined by Olympic 200m gold medalist Letsile Tebogo and silver medalist Kenny Bednarek. On the women’s side, defending champion Shericka Jackson and newly crowned 100m world champion Melissa Jefferson-Wooden led the qualifiers for the 200m final. Notably, this event is missing the 2024 Olympic gold and silver medalists Gabby Thomas and Julien Alfred, both sidelined by injury.
The championships also saw Keshorn Walcott of Trinidad and Tobago secure his second global javelin title, 13 years after his London Olympic gold. American Curtis Thompson took bronze, becoming only the third U.S. man to medal in the event at worlds.
Looking ahead, the World Athletics Championships schedule promises more excitement, with finals in the men’s 400m hurdles, women’s 400m hurdles, men’s 200m, and women’s 200m. Coverage continues across major platforms, including Peacock and USA Network.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s remarkable 400m performance not only cements her legacy but also sets up intriguing possibilities for the future of women’s sprinting. Track fans and statistical analysts alike will be watching closely to see if she can challenge the legendary world record in the coming years.