Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone came within 0.18 seconds of breaking Marita Koch’s legendary 400m world record at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, clocking 47.78 for gold and a championship record. And that’s the second-fastest time ever. Of course, expectations were sky high after she had already lowered the American record to 48.29 seconds in the semifinals. Right behind her, Marileidy Paulino stormed to silver in 47.98. But while McLaughlin-Levrone’s near-record run stole the spotlight, Paulino’s post-race comments were a tongue-in-cheek jibe at McLaughlin-Levrone.

Following the flat 400m final, a reporter asked Paulino about her mental and physical preparations leading up to the 2025 World Championships. As expected, the Dominican star was filled with confidence and pride. She s

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