Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Sends a Message to USATF to End Femke Bol’s Dominance at Paris Olympics

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is simply unreal. For the sixth time in history, she has shattered her own 400m hurdles world record, proudly standing beside the Omega screen, posing with the USA flag. “50.37 NEW WR,” it reads. But will her dominance end here? Probably not. After relegating Dutch powerhouse Femke Bol to third place today, McLaughlin-Levrone has sent a clear message—she plans to pose an even stiffer challenge for Bol in the upcoming 4x400m relay.

After her race, McLaughlin-Levrone mentioned that she had hoped to run even faster tonight. The world knew she had her sights set on a sub-50-second time. But a 50.37 world record and her second consecutive Olympic gold in the event? Not too shabby at all. However, the 25-year-old made an unexpected statement afterward. News flash: McLaughlin-Levrone still aspires to run the 4x400m women’s relay for Team USA in Paris. “I’m always her if they need me,” her message to USATF was crystal clear.

Why not? She was part of the gold-winning 4x400m quartet in Tokyo. Plus, in 2019 and 2022, McLaughlin-Levrone was on the women’s team that claimed gold at the World Championships. Her presence would indeed make a ‘dream squad.’ What’s even more significant is her margin over Dutch rival Femke Bol. Today, in the 400m hurdles, Bol trailed behind Levrone by a staggering 2 seconds! With Bol clocking in at 52.15, both Americans, Anna Cockrell and McLaughlin-Levrone, finished ahead of her.

Given the possibility that the 400m hurdles champion joins the relay team, Team USA could gain a significant advantage. But is McLaughlin-Levrone ready to defend yet another gold?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone to face Bol in 4x400m?

Femke Bol’s performance in the 4x400m mixed relay in Paris was too remarkable to ignore. For the American team, it was the difference between gold and silver. How so? The USA and Netherlands teams were neck and neck right from the start. Vernon Norwood, Shamier Little, and Bryce Deadmon had maintained a strong lead for the Americans. But the tables turned in the anchor leg.

It was Kaylyn Brown versus Femke Bol. Bol, with a blistering home stretch, outpaced the American side, securing her first gold in Paris. The difference? Just 0.41 seconds! Imagine how much of a difference McLaughlin-Levrone could make if the women’s 4x400m relay similarly comes down to the wire. Today, she had a nearly 2-second lead over Bol. And since the Tokyo Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone and the reigning Olympic Champion have faced off twice in the 400m hurdles, with McLaughlin-Levrone coming out on top both times.

But the question remains: Will USATF add her to the roster? Especially when several strong contenders like Aaliyah Butler, Kendall Ellis, Quanera Hayes, Kaylyn Brown, and Alexis Holmes are also vying for a spot. Who will propel Team USA to their eighth consecutive Olympic gold in the women’s 4x400m relay? What do you think? Let us know.