Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning Olympic champion and world record-holder in the 400-meter hurdles, is poised to make her long-awaited debut in the flat 400 meters at the prestigious Prefontaine Classic, scheduled for July 5 in Eugene, Oregon. The announcement has sent waves of excitement across the athletics world, as fans and competitors alike anticipate seeing one of track and field’s most dominant athletes test her raw speed in a race that could redefine her trajectory heading into the Paris 2024 Olympics and beyond.
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This race will be McLaughlin-Levrone’s first ever 400m run at the Prefontaine Classic, and it’s not just another appearance on the Diamond League calendar—it’s a potential landmark moment for a star who has already conquered nearly every mountain in her primary event. As she transitions—perhaps temporarily—from the 400m hurdles to the open 400m, the spotlight intensifies. Can Sydney become not only the greatest hurdler of her generation but also a serious contender in one of the most stacked sprint events globally?
A Change of Pace—But Not of Dominance
McLaughlin-Levrone’s decision to enter the 400m at the Prefontaine Classic comes after months of speculation and intrigue. The 24-year-old American has not only dominated the 400m hurdles but revolutionized it. She broke the world record multiple times, becoming the first woman to dip below 52 seconds, then shattering the barrier again with a mind-boggling 50.68 seconds at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene.
So why the shift?
Sources close to her camp indicate that this move is not necessarily a permanent transition but rather a calculated step to sharpen her speed and race rhythm while avoiding the physical toll of hurdle training early in the season. More importantly, it’s a chance for Sydney to prove herself as a two-event superstar, potentially opening up the chance to compete in both the 400m and 400m hurdles at future global championships.
What Makes the 400m So Special?
The women’s 400m, traditionally dominated by greats like Marie-José Pérec, Sanya Richards-Ross, and Allyson Felix, is known for requiring a perfect blend of speed, endurance, and tactical acumen. While the hurdles add a technical component, the flat 400 demands brutal, sustained sprinting and precise energy distribution.
In terms of competition, the current 400m landscape is fierce. Names like Marileidy Paulino (the reigning World Champion from the Dominican Republic), Salwa Eid Naser, and Natalia Kaczmarek dominate the conversation. But Sydney’s entry could shake the order. Analysts point to her sub-51 second splits in hurdle races as clear evidence she can run in the 48-second range—a territory reserved for the sport’s absolute elite.
The Prefontaine Classic: A Fitting Stage
Held annually at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, the Prefontaine Classic is more than just another Diamond League meet—it’s a symbolic and historic stop in the track and field world. It’s where records are broken, rivalries born, and careers cemented in legend. For Sydney, it’s almost a homecoming. Her jaw-dropping 400m hurdles world record was set at the same venue in 2022, making her return all the more poetic.
The meet’s scheduling—just weeks before the Paris Olympics—adds a layer of strategic importance. It could serve as a litmus test for McLaughlin-Levrone’s form and provide her coaches valuable data for Olympic planning.
What to Expect on July 5
While the full start list has yet to be officially confirmed, reports suggest that McLaughlin-Levrone will face elite competition from some of the world’s fastest quarter-milers. The buzz alone has already drawn intense media coverage and fan attention. If she manages to dip below 49 seconds, it would immediately put her among the top three performers in the world this year—and perhaps signal a future where she dominates not just one, but two of the most grueling events in athletics.
Fans and pundits will be watching for several key markers:
Split timing: Can she go out fast and still close strong?
Form and mechanics: How does her hurdle background influence her flat sprinting?
Competitive mentality: Can she challenge seasoned 400m runners on their turf?
If McLaughlin-Levrone comes anywhere near her potential, it won’t just be another race—it’ll be a redefining moment in the sport.
Femke Bol, Allyson Felix, and the Multi-Event Legacy
Sydney’s foray into the flat 400m also invites comparisons with other legends who have juggled multiple events. Allyson Felix seamlessly transitioned between the 200m and 400m, collecting Olympic medals in both. Meanwhile, Femke Bol, her Dutch counterpart, has also begun to test the 400m more frequently—with great success.
Bol has openly acknowledged McLaughlin-Levrone’s presence as motivation. “Sydney has raised the bar,” Bol said earlier this month. “To compete with her, you have to evolve—whether it’s over hurdles or not.” Their rivalry is shaping up as one of the most thrilling in athletics, and if Sydney adds the 400m to her competitive slate, it could produce more unforgettable showdowns.
The Bigger Picture: Paris and Beyond
With the Paris Olympics rapidly approaching, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Prefontaine Classic appearance could serve as a crucial data point for her Olympic campaign. Will she attempt the 400m/400m hurdles double in Paris? The schedule would make it extremely difficult but not impossible. A strong showing in Eugene would intensify speculation and perhaps even influence team USA’s selection dynamics.
And then there’s the legacy factor.
Sydney isn’t just trying to win races—she’s attempting to join the ranks of the sport’s most transformative figures. Adding the flat 400m to her repertoire would solidify her as not only a technical genius over hurdles but also a power sprinter capable of greatness in pure speed events.
Conclusion: A Star Ready for Another Spotlight
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s entry into the 400m at the Prefontaine Classic is more than a tactical race decision—it’s a statement of ambition, versatility, and excellence. Whether it leads to Olympic gold, a new personal best, or simply a thrilling performance for the fans, one thing is certain: all eyes will be on Hayward Field come July 5.
Track and field fans better buckle up—Sydney is back, and she’s not just jumping over hurdles anymore. She’s running straight into greatness.
