News of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone being ineligible to compete at the Brussels Diamond League shattered fans. “She’s ineligible since she didn’t participate in any regular season meets this year,” Diamond League CEO Petr Stastny clarified. However, all is not lost despite the bombshell revelation. “Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone to compete in the pre-programme events,” track and field enthusiast Owen M revealed on X.

“The pre-programme events aren’t part of the two-hour broadcast window,” revealed the report. Track and field fans were eager to see Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone return to competition after Paris. The hurdling specialist stunned the competition with an incredible Olympic and world record-setting 50.37-second 400m in Paris.

So fans rejoiced when the American earned a wildcard entry for the Brussels Diamond League. However, many others objected to the Paris 2024 double gold medalist getting a wildcard entry. “One of the requirements to be awarded a global wildcard was to compete in at least one DL meet,” Owen had shared shortly after Petr Stastny’s announcement.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone fits nearly all of the optional criteria for earning a wildcard. She is the world record holder, reigning Olympic champion, and the top-ranked athlete in her event. However, the mandatory rule of competing in at least one edition of the League cannot be circumvented. In fact, McLaughlin-Levron has only competed in three track and field events in 2024.

After pulling out of the world championships last year, the 25-year-old made her season debut at the New York Grand Prix on June 9. The four-time Olympic gold medalist then participated in the U.S. Olympic Trails and the 2024 Paris Summer Games. Unfortunately, her dominant performance in the 400m hurdles in Paris 2024 doesn’t qualify her for the Diamond League.

Many fans and experts in the track and field community voiced their displeasure during Diamond League Silesia on August 25. While rivals Femke Bol, and teammate Anna Cockrell competed, Sydney McLaughlin-Levron was absent. With the Zurich edition underway, people felt the League was being its own rules to allow the world record holder to compete. Yet not everyone shares these views!

Justin Gatlin defended Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

The public pushing back at the former world champion’s lack of activity is nothing new. Since becoming a seemingly unstoppable force in the 400m hurdle, the Team USA star has carefully chosen the events she competes in. However, veteran sprinter Justin Gatlin didn’t agree with the backlash. While discussing the athlete’s absence on August 25, Gatlin drew a parallel with Usain Bolt.

“I mean, I’ve kind of been there before, bro. Like, you gotta remember that when Bolt got to a certain level, he didn’t run that many races anymore.” said the fifth-fastest man of all time. Despite the lack of activity, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is the woman to beat in the 400m hurdles. According to Gatlin, the fact that she holds both records by a wide margin makes her a special athlete.

However, the Diamond League recently revamped its rules. While dominant athletes used to enjoy selective participation, the new rules of running at least one edition of the League to be eligible for the global wildcard came into effect on 8 March 2024. So, unfortunately, the Queen of the 400m hurdles has to settle for the pre-program event.

While this isn’t what her global fan base hoped for, at least those in attendance will see the champion race. Thankfully, those watching from home can watch Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone regularly compete soon, as she will race in Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track starting in April next year!