Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is a household name in track and field. Her accolades are worthy enough to be a household name across all sports.<\/p>\n
McLaughlin-Levrone made a strong case to be considered the best female athlete in the country. The U.S. sprinter made history by winning gold in the women\u2019s 400 with a championship record time of 47.78 at the 2025 World Track and Field Championships in Tokyo, Japan on Thursday, Sept. 18. It\u2019s the second fastest time ever in the history of the event. She\u2019s the first person to win world championship gold medals in the women\u2019s 400 and women\u2019s 400-meter hurdles.<\/p>\n
Dominican Republic\u2019s Marileidy Paulino crossed the finish line in a national record time of 47.98 to place second. Bahrain\u2019s Salwa Eid Naser time of 48.19 was good enough for the bronze medal.<\/p>\n
Thursday was the second time McLaughlin-Levrone made history at this year\u2019s World Championships. During the semifinals, McLaughlin-Levrone ran a 48.29<\/a> to break Sanya Richards-Ross\u2019 19-year-old American record (48.70) in the 400, clocking in at 48.29. She topped her own American record Thursday with the second fastest time ever.<\/p>\n McLaughlin-Levrone is the world record holder, two-time Olympic gold medalist and 2022 world champion in the 400 hurdles. The U.S. sprinter can add world champion in the 400 to her r\u00e9sum\u00e9 now that she accomplished history by owning world championship gold in both one-lap events.<\/p>\n Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Tyler Dragon on X\u00a0@TheTylerDragon<\/a>.<\/p>\n