Track and field fans hoping to see world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in action this weekend were left disappointed as the star athlete was forced to withdraw from the Ed Murphey Classic in Memphis on July 12, 2025, due to a high fever.
McLaughlin-Levrone, known for her dominance in the 400-meter hurdles and graceful precision on the track, announced the decision just hours before the event. The reigning Olympic and world champion shared her frustration, noting that she had been excited to race.
“I was eager to get on the line,” McLaughlin-Levrone said in a statement. “It’s frustrating, but my team and I are putting health first as we prepare for the rest of the season.”
The illness comes at a crucial time in the competitive calendar. The Toyota USATF Outdoor Championships, set for July 31 – August 3 in Eugene, Oregon, are fast approaching. This national championship meet plays a pivotal role in selecting Team USA for upcoming international competitions, including the World Championships.
McLaughlin-Levrone had been training steadily throughout the summer and had shown strong form in her previous outings. Her absence in Memphis, though unfortunate, appears to be a precautionary move, allowing her to focus on a full recovery before returning to top-level competition.
Despite the setback, her camp remains optimistic. Sources close to her training group report that her fever has already begun to subside and that she remains on track to compete in Eugene—provided she regains full strength in the coming weeks.
Fans, while disappointed, expressed overwhelming support online, wishing the 25-year-old a speedy recovery. Many are hopeful that her decision to rest now will pay dividends on the bigger stage at the end of July, where McLaughlin-Levrone is expected to battle for another national title.
As the countdown to the USATF Championships continues, all eyes will remain on McLaughlin-Levrone—not just for her performances, but for the inspiring resilience and discipline she continues to display both on and off the track.
