by Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reserved its place at the world championships on Saturday after storming the 400m victory during the American tests.
McLaughlin-Levrone, The Golden Girl of Us Athletics and the largest female hedges of 400m in history, propelled the house in 48.90 seconds to the Hayward Field in Eugene.
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The Twe Olympic 400m Haid Champion and holder of the 2500 -meter world record raised the eyebrows this year by choosing to take up a new challenge in the form of the 400m apartment.
McLaughlin-Levrone told journalists on Saturday that she wanted to test herself in the 400m this season after an undefeated sequence of six years in the 400m hedges.
The decision occurred relatively recently, just in front of Reunion Préfontaine Classic Diamond League in early July, she said.
“Upon entering PRE, we had an idea that we wanted to focus on the 400,” said McLaughlin-Levrone.
“And I think we were like – listening is a challenge, it’s not as comfortable for us but I want to challenge myself.
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“I felt like it was the year when I wanted to get out of the box and really push myself in a different way. So, of course, it’s uncomfortable, but I wanted to get involved and I am determined.
“And just excited to see where I can push myself,” she told AFP.
McLaughlin-Levrone confirmed that there was no chance that she is trying to get a place in the 400m hedges in Tokyo via the Diamond League final of this month.
“No, we will focus only on the 400,” she said. “I think it’s an intimidating task in itself. It is a very competitive area, so I respect these competitors for sure and I want to make sure that I can give everything to these races.”
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The domination of McLaughlin-Levrone of the hedges of the 400m has included several record milestones.
She was the first woman to break the 52 -second barrier in 2021, then became the first woman to hide less than 51 seconds per year later. Last year, she erased her own world record by repercussions on victory at the Paris Olympic Games.
McLaughlin-Levrone, however, said that she did not set any specific record targets while she tried her hand at the 400m apartment.
“Everyone talks about the American record of course. It will come when it is supposed to come,” she said.
“(But) I think this year and this event taught me patience. I learned a lot about myself. I learned a lot about the 400. But finally every day, it walks on the track, being the best possible, determine a very foreign race and take up new challenges.”
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McLaughlin-Levrone showed that she was probably in the running for a medal in Tokyo with a categorical victory on Saturday.
She took an early advance in the first 200 meters, then launched the final at the end of the house again.
Isabella Whittaker finished second in 49.59 seconds while Aliyah Butler finished third in 49.91 seconds.
RCW / BB
