Why did Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone run with long pants in the 400m at Brussels Diamond League? All about the American's first race after Paris Olympics

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone claimed she wore full pants to ensure safety from further cramps in the 400m dash at the Brussels Diamond League. The 400m hurdles world record holder was not eligible for the finals, not having run enough Diamond League races this season. However, she was specially invited to race in the 400m and 200m at the Memorial Van Damme.

McLaughlin-Levrone, 25, won the 400m hurdles in 50.37s and added the 4x400m relay gold to her Olympic medal tally. Shortly after her successful Olympic campaign, the 25-year-old looked to make her way to the Brussels Diamond Leagues finals roster but was not allowed, as per DL rules.

She was not eligible for not having run any DL races in the current season. The rules didn't qualify her as a wildcard entry as well. However, the Olympian received a special invitation from Memorial Van Damme to compete in the 400m and 200m race (not a part of the finals).

McLaughlin-Levrone was spotted wearing full pants while running in the 400m flat in Brussels. She clocked 49.11s to triumph over Jamaica's Stacey Ann Williams and Romanian Andrea Miklos but her sporting wear raised brows.

In the official post-race interview, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone talked about feeling a cramp after a long break. So, to prevent injuries, she safeguarded herself with full pants.

"Running the 400m at the end of the season definitely hurts a little bit more and I felt the cramping. That's why I chose to run with long pants, just to be safe. But I felt strong during the race. Now we're gonna go home, rest a bit and decide tomorrow to run the 200m or not," she said.

She was the first athlete to break four world records in the same event in 13 months, the first being at the 2020 US Olympic Trials and the latest at the 2024 Games.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on running 400m flat - "I'm still learning it. It's very different from the hurdles"

Athletics - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 15 - Source: Getty

The 400m hurdles specialist holds a personal best time of 48.75s in the 400m flat, earned at the 2023 USATF Championships in Eugene, Oregon. After winning the same at the recent Memorial Van Damme, the 25-year-old felt room for improvement.

"I'm still learning it. It's very different from the hurdles. Every race is just trying to figure it out and get better. I'll have to go back and watch my race to figure out what I did, right and wrong," she shared (via Olympics.com)

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone became the first athlete to sign with Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track league, set to commence in 2025.