The 400m hurdles world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has withdrawn from the 200m and 400m at the US Olympic Trials later this month to focus on her crowning event of the 400m hurdles. She is also the current Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles event.
Initially, the American was registered to participate in all three individual events, but today, together with her coach Bob Kersee, they have decided that she will concentrate on her crown discipline.
In May, she made her first start in the 400m in nearly two years, also meeting the Olympic standard, finishing in 52.70 sec.
“It’s my responsibility to make sure she’s ready for what she wants to do the most”, said Bob Kersee after withdrawal of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone from the 200m and 400m at the US Olympic Trials.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is the Tokyo 2020 Olympics champion with the Games record, and 2022 World champion with a world record time of 50.68 sec. Setting four world records during 13 months, she was the first woman to break the 52-second (June 2021) and 51-second (July 2022) barriers in the 400m hurdles. She won the silver medal at the 2019 World Championships. At all three competitions, she also took gold as part of a women’s 4x400m relay team.
