Voila! 400m reigning Olympic Champion, Sydney McLaughlin is about to swing back into action. An obvious air of disappointment had prevailed amongst her fans ever since the hurdler withdrew from the 400m category, a position she has dominated since Tokyo 2020, and entered the 200m bracket at the LA Grand Pix. Engulfed with a troublesome system around, the 24-year-old’s field presence has also been intermittent lately. However, a new glimmer of hope has appeared ahead of the Paris Olympics and it is enough for fans to latch onto.

Just a day before Sydney’s 200m showdown at the 2024 USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix, an inspiriting update has arrived about her plans for the US Olympic Trials. As per her coach, she might be gearing up to defend her 400m Olympic title in all its glory.

Syndey McLaughlin to surmount all ‘hurdles’ to return to 400m

According to the latest X post by Citius Magazine, Sydney McLaughlin is making a comeback to 400m hurdles as “her focus for the Paris Olympics.” Referring to Sydney’s appearance at the US Olympic Trials, this post delivers a brand-new update and is weighty for fans to pin onto until an official announcement. Mainly, it describes Coach Bobby Kersee’s conversation with NBC Sports as the basis of this massive revelation.

Quoting Bobby’s words, “I think Sydney’s love is the 400m hurdles, and so that’s the number one event,” the caption indicates that the 400m hurdles are a top-priority for Sydney, as per her coach. Kersee further adds “My job is to make sure that she gets ready for the one that she wants to do the most,” implying that he will ensure her preparation for the same. However, the ultimate discretion lies with the athlete herself.

Whilst fans are rooting for McLaughlin’s smashing return to the 400m hurdles, there is a possibility that the commitment will have her hands full for a while. Even if she cruises through the US Olympic Trials and en route to Paris, the pro hurdler would have to face fierce contemporaries, especially Femke Bol to defend her gold. However, it is sure that with the arsenal of skills that brings, the competition will crank up a notch.

Will there be a third Sydney McLaughlin-Bol 400m hurdle face-off?

The Tokyo Olympics 2020 had seen McLaughlin’s victory stretch in the 400m hurdles while Netherlands’s Femke Bol ended up clenching a bronze. The second time the duo were up against each other was at the 2022 World Championships. And once again, things went Sydney’s way, who set a world record timing of 50.68. However, a lot has changed ever since.

While Sydney withdrew from the 2023 World Championships in Budapest citing a “minor knee issue”, Femke raced to victory in the same, raising a bar in her own performance. Also, the Brussels Diamond League 2023 was another ticked box for Femke, who triumphed to a massive victory in the 400m hurdle there in 52.11 seconds. What’s more, absolutely owning the track, the Dutch athlete has recently crushed her own world record in 400m indoor in March 2024, at Glasgow.

The obvious trajectory here indicates that the past years have clocked in some of Femke’s best timings. Nonetheless, it remains to be seen who amongst the two lands the upper hand at the Paris Olympics. While McLaughlin is a record-winning favorite, Femke’s recent streaks are going to make it a nail-biter. Let us know what you think in the comments.