The world 400m hurdles record-holder is raring to enhance her 200m and 400m PBs within the Belgian capital this weekend
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is ready to make her first and solely look following her Olympic triumph on the Brussels Diamond League on September 13-14.
Regardless of not competing in the primary Diamond League programme, organisers of the Memorial Van Damme meet have organized “two particular races” to rejoice the 25-year-old’s achievements, together with her world file within the 400m hurdles in Paris.
The American shouldn’t be eligible for a world wild card for the primary programme as she hasn’t competed in any of the meets this season.
Brussels shall be her first competitors since her record-breaking efficiency in Paris, clocking 50.37 within the 400m hurdles to win the crown. She additionally claimed one other gold medal within the girls’s 4x400m for Crew USA earlier than taking a well-earned break.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Getty)
“I went to Greece with my husband to chill out for every week,” stated McLaughlin-Levrone. “It was needed after these improbable Olympics, which I labored in the direction of for thus lengthy.
“I really feel enormously grateful for what I used to be in a position to expertise in Paris. After that, we returned to Los Angeles. However as a result of I nonetheless really feel bodily and mentally recent, I needed to run yet another assembly to complete the season.”
Although McLaughlin-Levrone is primarily identified for her dominance within the hurdles, she can also be one of many quickest American athletes over 400m.
With a private better of 48.74, set at Hayward Area in July final yr, she goals to decrease that point in Brussels and probably break the present US file of 48.70, held by Sanya Richards-Ross.
Extending past the 400m, she can also be a competitor within the 200m. Her most up-to-date 200m came about in Could in Los Angeles, the place she achieved a private finest of twenty-two.07.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Getty)
“My objective is to enhance my private information,” stated McLaughlin-Levrone. “I began my season this spring within the 200m and 400m and now I want to end with them as nicely, assess the place I stand at these distances now, after having centered an entire yr on the 400m hurdles.
“My season at all times revolves across the main championships, and I put collectively my programme with my coach Bob Kersee primarily based on these.
“Moreover, I already need to be in high type on the US trials to be allowed to go to the Olympics in any respect. So, attending conferences in Europe in between shouldn’t be apparent, transcontinental journeys are fairly tiring.
“My coach has instructed me a lot of good issues concerning the Memorial. I’m actually trying ahead to giving my finest right here on Friday and Saturday and concluding my season in model.”
Because the season winds down, McLaughlin-Levrone is already setting her sights on 2025, with the World Championships in Tokyo being the primary focus for athletes across the globe.
After lacking the 2023 World Championships in Budapest attributable to a knee damage, she shall be keen to assert the world champion title. In her absence, Femke Bol of the Netherlands received the 400m hurdles in 51.70.
In Paris this yr, McLaughlin-Levrone defeated Bol, who completed third with 52.15, leaving the observe visibly upset. Their rivalry shall be reignited subsequent yr, with each athletes eager to face one another once more.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Getty)
McLaughlin-Levrone was additionally the primary athlete signed to Michael Johnson’s new Grand Slam Observe League. Set to happen in 2025, she is anticipated to compete in each the 400m hurdles and 400m flat throughout 4 ‘Slams’, one in every of which shall be hosted in her hometown of Los Angeles.
“The World Championships will happen in mid-September,” stated McLaughlin-Levrone. “Maybe that may open up extra alternatives to run in Europe, however we’ll see.
READ MORE: Brussels Diamond League preview
“It [Grand Slam Track] is certainly on my programme. One of many conferences will happen in Los Angeles, my hometown, and in addition the 2028 Olympic Video games host metropolis. I completely wish to be a part of that.
“The environment in Paris was indescribable. I’m immensely trying ahead to experiencing that in LA as nicely.”
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