This year, when Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone moved from hurdles to the flat 400m, many wondered if she could assert the same dominance on the tracks without obstacles. However, at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, McLaughlin-Levrone threatened the 40-year-old record of Germany’s Marita Koch, who clocked 47.60 back in 1985. Pushing every limit, the American thundered across the finish line in Tokyo in 47.78, stunningly fast, yet just shy of history. And as whispers swirl, one question hangs in the air: did the weather steal her record?

Since Tokyo, McLaughlin-Levrone has been in recovery mode, spending her days resting and losing herself in quiet, thought-provoking books. With the gold medal around her neck, she’s proud of her 47.78 in the 400m final, making her the second-fastest woman

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