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Two times Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone dazzled everyone with her performance. She made a mark at the 2023 U.S. Track and Field Championships held in Eugene, Oregon. The sprinter competed in the women’s 400m dash and finished ahead of all with her blazing speed. Besides winning the title, she achieved a momentous feat by clocking the second-fastest time in American history.

McLaughlin’s electrifying speed left her competitors in awe. She also marked the fastest time recorded by any sprinter this year. Sydney McLaughlin is the world champion and record-holder in the 400m hurdles. But she made a remarkable decision to shift her attention towards the flat race this season. She is pushing her boundaries to reach the heights of one of her idols.

McLaughlin Chasing World Records with the Spirit of Her Idols

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Sydney has always admired the great legends in the world of sprinting. One such sprinter was Marita Koch. Sydney aims to eventually surpass the long-standing world record of 47.60 seconds set by Marita Koch in 1985. On NBC Sports, she said, “The greats always push themselves, and I want to be one of them.” Hence, this sudden decision to step out of her comfort zone. She clocked 48.74 in the 400m dash in the U.S. Athletics Championships. While this is a great achievement for Sydney, it still falls short of Koch’s record time of 47.60 seconds.

Sydney McLaughlin came very close to breaking the American record for the fastest sprint in the event. The record is held by Sanya Richards-Ross, who became the Olympic champion in 2012. She finished the race in 48.70, so Sydney missed breaking the record by just 0.04 seconds. Nevertheless, the great athlete should be congratulated for achieving the second-fastest record in America in an event she transitioned into in June.

American footballer Emmanuel Acho congratulated Sydney on a tweet for achieving her best with a post, “Sydney McLaughlin runs a WORLD LEAD PERSONAL BEST and MEET RECORD. 48.74 in the 400 meters.” Sydney’s speed improves with every 400m race she competes in. With this, she is the top contender in the 400m sprint and hurdle. She will have to choose between the two for the World Championships.

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Sydney McLaughlin In A Crossroad

The 23-year-old broke the world record in the 400m hurdles three times. Therefore, when she decided to change her event, her fans were unsure of her decision. But McLaughlin proved herself in the two 400m events with impressive times of 49.71 and 49.51 seconds, respectively.

Read More: “An Amazing Person”: US Olympic Star Sydney McLaughlin on Training With Flo-Jo’s Former Coach

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She ranks the highest in the U.S. women’s 400m team alongside Britton Wilson and Talitha Diggs. She also has a spot on the U.S. women’s 400m hurdle. Sydney is expected to choose between the two as she will not compete in both events. When she was asked about her choice, she replied, “That’s a great question. I have no idea, I have no clue”. We hope she makes up her mind soon or, better yet, competes in both events.

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