Will Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone compete in 400m race in 2025? All about the hurdles star's participation at the Grand Slam Track

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone recently concluded her 2024 season after racing in the Brussels Diamond League. The athlete will now be back on the track in 2025 and is expected to run at the Grand Slam Track, but not in the 400m hurdles, but in the 400m flat race.

McLaughlin-Levrone recently concluded her Paris Olympics campaign with two gold medals, which she won in the 400m hurdles and the 4x400m relay events. In the former, she clocked a world record of 50.37s, defeating Anna Cockrell and Femke Bol, who recorded 51.87s and 52.15s, securing second and third place, respectively.

Along with this, she also impressed in the 4x400m relay event with her team, which included Shamier Little, Gabby Thomas, and Alexis Holmes. They clocked a time of 3:15.27 in the final to stand atop the podium ahead of the Netherlands and Great Britain, who claimed silver and bronze, respectively.

Following this, the 25-year-old ran the 200m and 400m invitational races in the Diamond League Final in Brussels. After not being eligible for competing in the final, the organizers of the event added two invitational events, both of which she won. The 25-year-old clocked 22.40 seconds in the 200m while finishing her 400m race in 49.11 seconds, respectively.

The athlete's 2024 season has now concluded, and she is expected to try her hands at the 400m dash at the Grand Slam Track, which has been introduced by the track and field legend, Michael Johnson, and is scheduled to be held in 2025. The event is currently decided to be held in four locations, namely, New York City, Kingston, and Birmingham.

The American hurdler was announced as one of the first athletes to be selected for Johnson's event. In a recent interview, she revealed that she might double up in the 200m and 400m rather than the 400m and 400m hurdles.

"It's always a possibility absolutely. So, I think yeah that's the exciting thing is I'm blessed with the ability kind of to switch some of these events and do different things and so yeah love challenging myself that's definitely a possible duo right there,” said Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone opened up about being one of the first athletes for Grand Slam Track

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone recently reflected her thoughts upon being signed as the first athlete for Grand Slam Track. She said that she is "honored" for being one of the first athletes and lauded Michael Johnson for his clear vision. She exuded excitement about being a part of this event and stated that she couldn't wait to work with the team. (as quoted by Track and field news.com)

"I’m honored to be one of the first Racers in Grand Slam Track,” said Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. “Michael’s vision is clear, and he’s exactly the leader this sport needs to break new ground. I am thrilled to be a part of this league and look forward to everything we have coming in the future. I firmly believe that this is the step forward that track needs to take it to another level, and I can’t wait to get to work with the team.”

Along with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, other athletes like Fred Kerley, Kenny Bednarek, Josh Kerr, Cole Hocker, and Yared Nuguse have also joined the Grand Slam track team.