The world 400m hurdles record-holder is eager to improve her 200m and 400m PBs in the Belgian capital this weekend
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is set to make her first and only appearance following her Olympic triumph, at the Brussels Diamond League on September 13-14.
Despite not competing in the main Diamond League programme, organisers of the Memorial Van Damme meet have arranged “two special races” to celebrate the 25-year-old’s achievements, including her world record in the 400m hurdles in Paris.
The American is not eligible for a global wild card for the main programme as she hasn’t competed in any of the meets this season.
Brussels will be her first competition since her record-breaking performance in Paris, clocking 50.37 in the 400m hurdles to win the crown.
She also claimed another gold medal in the women’s 4x400m for Team USA before taking a well-earned break.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Getty)
“I went to Greece with my husband to relax for a week,” said McLaughlin-Levrone. “It was necessary after those fantastic Olympics, which I worked towards for so long.
“I feel enormously grateful for what I was able to experience in Paris. After that, we returned to Los Angeles. But because I still feel physically and mentally fresh, I wanted to run one more meeting to finish the season.”
Though McLaughlin-Levrone is primarily known for her dominance in the hurdles, she is also one of the fastest American athletes over 400m.
With a personal best of 48.74, set at Hayward Field in July last year, she aims to lower that time in Brussels and possibly break the current US record of 48.70, held by Sanya Richards-Ross.
Extending beyond the 400m, she is also a competitor in the 200m. Her most recent 200m took place in May in Los Angeles, where she achieved a personal best of 22.07.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Getty)
“My goal is to improve my personal records,” said McLaughlin-Levrone. “I started my season this spring in the 200m and 400m and now I would like to finish with them as well, assess where I stand at those distances now, after having focused a whole year on the 400m hurdles.
“My season always revolves around the major championships, and I put together my programme with my coach Bobby Kersee based on those.
“Additionally, I already have to be in top form at the US trials to be allowed to go to the Olympics at all. So, attending meetings in Europe in between is not obvious, transcontinental trips are quite tiring.
“My coach has told me lots of good things about the Memorial. I’m really looking forward to giving my best here on Friday and Saturday and concluding my season in style.”
As the season winds down, McLaughlin-Levrone is already setting her sights on 2025, with the World Championships in Tokyo being the main focus for athletes around the globe.
After missing the 2023 World Championships in Budapest due to a knee injury, she will be eager to claim the world title. In her absence, Femke Bol won the 400m hurdles in 51.70.
In Paris this year, McLaughlin-Levrone defeated Bol, who finished third with 52.15, leaving the track visibly disappointed. Their rivalry will be reignited next year, with both athletes keen to face each other again.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Getty)
McLaughlin-Levrone was also the first athlete signed to Michael Johnson’s new Grand Slam Track League. Set to take place in 2025, she is expected to compete in both the 400m hurdles and 400m flat across four ‘Slams’, one of which will be hosted in her hometown of Los Angeles.
“The World Championships will take place in mid-September,” said McLaughlin-Levrone. “Perhaps that will open up more opportunities to run in Europe, but we’ll see.
READ MORE: Brussels Diamond League preview
“It [Grand Slam Track] is definitely on my programme. One of the meetings will take place in Los Angeles, my hometown, and also the 2028 Olympic Games host city. I absolutely want to be part of that.
“The atmosphere in Paris was indescribable. I am immensely looking forward to experiencing that in LA as well.”
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