Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone ’s first full season in the flat 400 meters overturned every order and narrative. By leaving behind her world-record event, the 400m hurdles, she immediately unsettled two of the most established figures like Marileidy Paulino and Salwa Eid Naser in the discipline. And coming at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo McLaughlin-Levrone produced a performance that moved her within striking distance of history. But at the same time drew out an unexpected rivalry that has since spilled beyond the track. And now as it appears, the ultimate track expert has figured out a way to solve the rising debate.

In the Tokyo final, McLaughlin-Levrone started from lane five and quickly erased the stagger. By the final straight, she had built a decisive advantage, but P

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