Reigning Olympic 400m hurdles champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has opened up on why she did not race outside the US before the Paris Olympic Games.
Speaking to the Diamond League Meeting in Brussels organisers, the 400m hurdles world record holder noted that she always focuses on major championships of the season hence the decision not to race in Europe.
This season, the Paris Olympic Games were the major event of the year and the American did not want to gamble her fitness ahead of the grueling US Olympic trials. She added that travelling to other countries is exhausting and she did not want to put herself through a lot of turmoil.
Three top middle-distance runners are set to challenge the long-standing 1500m world record at the Brussels Diamond League.
“My season always revolves around the major championships. I put together my program with my coach Bob Kersee based on that. I also have to be at my best at the American trials to even be allowed to go to the Olympic Games. So running meetings in Europe in between is not easy, transcontinental travel is quite tiring,” she explained.
She made her 400m hurdles debut this season at the HBCU Pro Classic before breaking the world record at the US Olympic trials where she clocked 50.65 seconds to cross the finish line. The 25-year-old proceeded to claim top honours at the Paris Olympic Games where she lowered her world record time, clocking 50.37 seconds to win the race.
After her two special races at the Diamond League Meeting in Brussels, McLaughlin-Levrone will take a break before returning to training with her main focus being the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. She will also be competing at Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track next season.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's father has shared how faith shaped her upbringing, guiding her athletic journey and personal growth.
“The World Championships will take place in mid-September. That might open up more opportunities to run in Europe, but we’ll see,” she said.
“That is indeed on my program. One of those rounds will take place in Los Angeles, my home base, which is also the host city for the 2028 Olympic Games. I definitely want to be there. The atmosphere in Paris was indescribable. I am really looking forward to experiencing that in LA as well,” she added.