Track and Field Community Lands in Debate as Michael Johnson Confirms Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Grand Slam Track Schedule

The track and field world is buzzing with excitement as Grand Slam Track (GST) inches closer, promising a revolutionary format that legend Michael Johnson launched. As top athletes are participating in numerous events, hopes and excitement are touching the sky. However, no discussion has been as heated as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s confirmed GST schedule because apart from Sydney, someone who has troubled the 25-year-old in the past will also be part of the Grand Slam Track.

Remember the 2023 Wanda Diamond League? Sydney McLaughlin entered the tournament as one of the top contenders to win the 400m flat in Paris, but it was Marileidy Paulino who forced a defeat to McLaughlin. Even before the race, Paulino boldly denied being feared by McLaughlin. “There is no fear,” Paulino said before the matchup. Although McLaughlin was not able to participate in last year’s Diamond League Final, the 4x Olym0ics gold medalist easily surpassed Paulino’s winning time in Brussels by three-tenths. 49.11 against Paulino’s 49.45, to be precise. Now, here is the twist. As per GST’s official website, Paulino and Sydney will be participating in different categories; 400m long sprint and 400m hurdle. But Johnson went on record to not only confirm the showdown but also fuel this rivalry just days before the event kicks off in Kingston.

Well, GST is set to shake up the sport with its thrilling three-day weekend format, kicking off in Kingston, Jamaica. Unlike traditional meets, athletes won’t just run once—they’ll compete in two races, with their combined score determining the winner. As Michael Johnson puts it, “Our format is unique, where athletes have to run multiple races.” With top stars lining up, the stakes have never been higher!

Recently, Johnson appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show” and got candid about the GST, his vision, Noah Lyles, and a lot more. But Johnson also made some revelations about the schedules of athletes like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. As Michael Johnson puts it, “Sydney actually, you know, has to run the 400-meter hurdles, her race, and then come back and run the 400-meter flat as well.” And the added challenge? Paulino, the reigning Olympic 400m champion, will be waiting for her in that head-to-head battle.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Marileidy Paulino are about to give track fans a showdown for the ages. With Grand Slam Track’s unique format, the world record-holding Olympic champion will have to take on both the 400m hurdles—her signature event—and the 400m flat, setting up a high-stakes clash against Paulino. Johnson emphasized, “We have Marileidy Paulino, who’s the Olympic champion in the 400, who’s going to have to run against Sydney in that 400. So it’s a really interesting format.” The layered competition forces athletes to dig deeper, adapt, and recover quickly—something rarely seen outside of major championships.

The stakes go beyond just bragging rights. Johnson highlights why the format is a hit with competitors, saying, “The athletes love it. It gives the same thing you get when you see the Olympics.” And for fans? It’s the dream scenario—two elite champions, multiple races, and the kind of head-to-head clash that only happens on the sport’s biggest stages.

Top Comment by Vinnie

Depends on how much down time and recovery these athletes will get. Running 2 400’s at 100% without proper recovery...more

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Debate

So, will McLaughlin-Levrone’s versatility shine, or will Paulino’s pure 400m power prove too much? One thing’s for sure—this isn’t just another track meet, but it’s shaping up to be a showdown that could redefine how we see these two champions.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Marileidy Paulino showdown track fans crave

With Grand Slam Track (GST) officially setting the stage for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s 400m race, fans are buzzing about a potential clash with Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino. While some are hyped about the matchup, others are skeptical about how it will unfold. The biggest concern? The GST format could keep top contenders apart in separate races. “It’s the biggest issue with the format. Sydney and Paulino, Thomas, etc., are doing separate 400m races. Who wants to see Sydney dusting all the 400m hurdles twice?” one fan argued. The format might offer flexibility, but will it deliver the head-to-head battle that track fans crave?

However, GST does allow athletes to switch events within different slams, adding an interesting twist. “There is room for racers to run with different groups in different slams. For example, Gabby is signed to the short sprints 200m/100m group. But, in Kingston, she’s running 400m/200m. Sydney is signed to the long hurdles (400m hurdles/400m) group but may run with the 400m/200m group at one of the slams,” another fan pointed out. This means a Sydney vs. Paulino race could still happen—just not where everyone initially expected. That said, McLaughlin-Levrone’s near-record-breaking performances last season prove she’s a force in the flat 400m, adding more fuel to the excitement. “Yeah, it’s crazy she almost broke the record twice. I want to say it was a negative headwind or something for those events.”

Despite the anticipation, not everyone is convinced that Sydney can challenge Paulino just yet. “Paulino is dusting Sydney, so hopefully Sydney gets motivated to do more in the 4 and pushes herself to challenge the world’s best,” one fan claimed. Paulino’s power and late kick make her a fierce competitor, and she finally struck gold in Paris. But is Sydney really at a disadvantage? Her early speed could give her the edge against a strong closer like Paulino.

On the flip side, some believe Paulino might not be at her sharpest this early in the season. “It’s the opposite. I’m not sure how motivated Paulino will be, especially early in the season after finally winning Olympic gold. She turns 29 later this year. Paulino’s come-from-behind style requires everything to unfold perfectly. If Paulino is not fully sharp and motivated, Sydney will open up too much of a gap,” another fan countered. Given Sydney’s ability to front-run and control the pace, an unprepared Paulino could find herself chasing shadows.

With both stars bringing different strengths to the table, their matchup—if it happens—could be the defining battle of the GST season. The Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone vs. Marileidy Paulino debate is far from over. But we are going to get the answer soon.