Disheartening news! Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is set to end her track and field season with an unexpected twist. After her jaw-dropping 50.37-second world record at the Paris 2024 Olympics, you might have thought it would be smooth sailing. But she’s facing a fresh challenge at the Diamond League Final in Brussels. Despite not competing in a Diamond League meet this year, she’s received a wildcard invitation. On September 13, she was supposed to tackle the 400m flat, and the very next day, she’ll sprint through the 200m. But it wasn’t so easy!

According to the official Diamond League rules, athletes must compete in at least one Diamond League meeting during the season to qualify for a global wildcard. Since Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone hasn’t competed in any DL meets this year, she doesn’t meet the criteria for a wildcard or have enough points to automatically qualify. Nevertheless, RunBlogRun recently shared on X that “Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone won’t be competing in the Diamond League 200m/400m finals in Brussels.” DL CEO Petr Stastny stated, “She’s ineligible since she didn’t participate in any regular season meets this year, despite her commitment.”

Earlier, Owens pointed out on X that there might be inconsistencies with the Diamond League’s rules, suggesting either a rule change without notice or selective bending of the rules for certain athletes. He highlighted the need for clear communication, warning that applying different standards could set a troubling precedent.

Owen shared a screenshot of the rule stating that up to four global wildcards (two men and two women) can be invited to the Diamond League Final, provided they meet criteria like being a world record holder or a top-ranked athlete. He stressed that any athlete wishing to be part of the Diamond League Final must adhere to these established guidelines.

However, no event can feature both a national and a global wildcard. But to this Carl Lewis, the legendary track and field star, weighed in, saying, “They did it for me numerous times. It’s been happening for years, and it has always been a great idea. Get the best athletes to race, any way you can.” However, McLaughlin-Levrone made headlines once again with a stunning performance in the women’s 400-meter hurdles at the Paris 2024 Olympics.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone shatters the world record for second consecutive gold

In the Paris Olympics, she broke her own world record with an incredible time of 50.37 seconds, winning gold for the U.S. for the second consecutive Olympics. This feat was particularly the sixth time she had achieved the feat of setting a world record. She should also beat her previous world record score of 50.65 seconds established at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where she emerged as the winner in the women’s 400m.

However, in Paris, McLaughlin-Levrone brought the U.S. to a 1-2 finish, with fellow American Anna Cockrell taking silver in a time of 51.87 seconds. Femke Bol of the Netherlands, who has been one of the main challengers, took bronze with a 52.15-second finish. Bol created shock earlier this year when she joined as the only female athlete to clock under 51 seconds in the 400 hurdles.

McLaughlin-Levrone, being a standout since her teens, has recorded achievements that include the 2015 World Youth Championship and the U.S. Olympic qualifier at the tender age of 18 years, becoming the youngest to do so since 1980. Probably one of the most tactical runners, she decided to compete in the open 400-meter discipline for the first time, taking a one-year break from the 400-meter hurdles race. That being said, however, McLaughlin-Levrone is undoubtedly in pursuit of the kind of brinkmanship of the spirit in athletic track and field.