McLaughlin-Levrone sets world leading time on 400m hurdles return

English Woman's Journal - McLaughlin-Levrone sets world leading time on 400m hurdles return

SPORTS 01.06.2024

McLaughlin-Levrone sets world leading time on 400m hurdles return / Photo: Katharine Lotze - GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/AFP

Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone cruised to victory in a world-leading 52.7 seconds in her first 400m hurdles race for nearly two years in Atlanta on Friday.

Change text size:

McLaughlin-Levrone, the 2021 Tokyo Games gold medalist and world record holder, had not run her signature event since August 2022.

However the 24-year-old star showed no signs of rust as she left the rest of the field trailing in her wake in Friday's outing at the Edwin Moses Classic at Morehouse College.

McLaughlin-Levrone only plans to compete in the United States this season as she looks ahead to next month's US Olympic trials before targeting the defence of her Olympic title in Paris.

"I love racing and I love Europe, but I think in a year like this and coming back from injury last year I just wanted to be safe," McLaughlin-Levrone said after Friday's win.

"Travel can take a lot out of the body, and hopefully I can get some more races, but I'm just playing it safe until I get to trials."

While McLaughlin-Levrone's winning time was well outside her world record of 50.68 set at the 2022 World Championships, the American was more than happy with her performance on Friday.

"It's a progression, shaking the rust off after two years -- I'll take a 52.7. Things to work on and I haven't had much hurdle practice, so there's things to improve," she added.

McLaughlin-Levrone's season-best time was more than a second faster than the next fastest 400m hurdles time by a woman this year, eclipsing the 53.72 set by Jamaica's Rushell Clayton in Kingston on May 11.

R.Sutherland--EWJ

Paul George Scores 36 as Celtics Defeat Sixers 123-101 to Take East Lead

The Boston Celtics claimed first place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night, defeating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-101 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Paul George led all scorers with 36 points in his return to Philadelphia, while a decisive third-quarter run extended Boston's lead and dropped the Sixers to second place.

Mets President David Stearns Expresses Confidence in Marcus Semien's Motivation

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has identified Marcus Semien’s self-motivation as the primary factor in his potential recovery from an underwhelming debut season. Speaking at the general managers meetings in Las Vegas, Stearns affirmed that the team remains confident in Semien’s ability to improve, even as they evaluate other infield options for next year.

FA Cup Second-Round Draw Confirmed for Non-League and Midlands Clubs

The FA Cup second-round draw has been finalized, setting up crucial ties for non-league teams aiming to reach the third round proper. Several clubs from the Midlands, including Burton Albion and Kidderminster Harriers, have secured their next opponents following recent victories over lower-league opposition.

Panthers expected to begin 2027 NRL season away from new stadium

The new Penrith Stadium is expected to be ready in time for the opening round of the 2027 NRL season, but it’s still likely the Panthers is expected to be on the road for their early matches. There is no delay to the build of the new $309 million venue but there’s a lack of appetite for risk around weather delays through the summer.