Did Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone break the 400m World Record at the World Championships?
McLaughlin-Levrone wins 400m gold in historic race. Image Credit: Kevin Morris
In Tokyo’s National Stadium, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone produced one of the most electrifying runs in track and field history. Clocking 47.78 seconds, she not only claimed gold at the World Athletics Championships but also ran the fastest women’s 400m in nearly four decades.
Her performance was just 0.16 seconds shy of the long-standing world record of 47.60, set by East Germany’s Marita Koch in 1985. This made McLaughlin-Levrone the second-fastest woman of all time in the event and the first to dip under 48 seconds since Koch’s controversial record.
Did She Break the World Record?
While Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s dazzling run sparked headlines and global admiration, she did not surpass Koch’s mark. Her 47.78 ranks as the No. 2 all-time performance, putting her ahead of legends like Marie-José Pérec and Sanya Richards-Ross.
But many see this as a symbolic moment: a clean, modern athlete edging closer than anyone in history to a record many believed untouchable.
Why the 39-Year Gap in Sub-48 Performances?
The nearly four-decade drought between Koch’s run and McLaughlin-Levrone’s Tokyo performance raises questions. Koch’s 1985 mark came during an era clouded by systemic doping allegations in East Germany, casting doubt on its legitimacy.
For years, top athletes hovered in the 48–49 second range but never broke through. That changed in Tokyo, as McLaughlin-Levrone, supported by legendary coach Bobby Kersee, proved that the barrier can be challenged without suspicion.
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A Historic Final for the Ages
The women’s 400m final in Tokyo may go down as the greatest race in history.
- Marileidy Paulino (Dominican Republic), the reigning Olympic champion, stormed from lane nine to finish second in 47.98 seconds, becoming the third-fastest woman ever.
- Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain), the 2019 world champion, grabbed bronze in 48.19, her best since 2019.
- Four other women ran under 50 seconds, including Poland’s Natalia Kaczmarek (49.27) and Britain’s Amber Anning (49.36).
Never before had so many athletes produced times of this caliber in a single final.
The Words of a Champion
After the race, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone credited her coach Kersee’s advice:
“This wasn’t my title to hold on to; it was my title to gain. He told me, ‘You’ve got to go out there and take the belt. It’s not yours. You’ve got to earn it.’”
Kersee, who has guided icons like Florence Griffith-Joyner and Allyson Felix, once again oversaw a history-defining performance.
What Does This Mean for the Future of the 400m?
McLaughlin-Levrone’s Tokyo triumph shifts the conversation about the women’s 400m. With her youth, versatility, and dominance in both the 400m and 400m hurdles, she is now positioned as the athlete most likely to finally erase Koch’s disputed record.
Looking ahead, she could attempt an unprecedented 400m/400m hurdles double at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics if scheduling permits.
For now, her Tokyo run stands as a monumental achievement, proof that the boundaries of women’s sprinting are still being redrawn.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Did Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone break the 400m world record?
Not yet. At the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, she ran 47.78 seconds, the fastest time in 39 years. The official world record of 47.60 seconds, set by Marita Koch in 1985, still stands.
What is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s personal best in the 400m?
Her personal best is 47.78 seconds, achieved in Tokyo in September 2025. This performance makes her the second-fastest woman of all time in the event.
Who holds the women’s 400m world record?
The record is held by Marita Koch, who ran 47.60 seconds in 1985. Koch’s mark is widely considered controversial due to the East German doping program during that era.
Why is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s run historic?
Her time marked the first sub-48-second 400m by any woman since Koch’s record, ending a 39-year drought. It also came in what many call the greatest women’s 400m final in history.
What does this mean for the future of the 400m?
McLaughlin-Levrone is seen as the most likely athlete to eventually break the record. With her dominance in both the 400m hurdles and the 400m flat, she may also attempt an unprecedented double at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
Who were the other medalists in the 400m final?
- Silver: Marileidy Paulino (Dominican Republic) – 47.98
- Bronze: Salwa Eid Naser (Bahrain) – 48.19
Both times also rank among the fastest ever recorded.
