Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone capped off a remarkable 2024 season with a dominant performance at the Brussels Diamond League finals, where she stunned the competition in both the 400m and 200m Invitational races.

McLaughlin-Levrone, fresh off a historic campaign at the Paris 2024 Olympics where she defended her 400m hurdles title in record-breaking fashion and anchored the USA’s 4x400m relay to victory, showcased her incredible versatility by dominating in two non-regular events.

Winfred Yavi has expressed her disappointment towards losing to Kenya's Faith Cherotich and missing the world record at the Diamond League Meeting final in Brussels.

The Olympic champion effortlessly won the women’s 400m and 200m Invitational races in Brussels, reminding the world of her all-around sprinting prowess.

«Running the 400m at the end of the season definitely hurts a little bit more and I felt the cramping,» McLaughlin-Levrone said after cruising to victory in the 400m with an impressive time of 49.11 seconds, well ahead of Jamaica’s Stacey-Ann Williams, who clocked 50.53 seconds.

«That is why I chose to run with long pants, just to be safe. But I felt strong during the race.»

The day after her 400m win, McLaughlin-Levrone competed in the 200m Invitational, finishing with a time of 22.40 seconds, comfortably outpacing the field.

Olympics champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi appeared from nowhere to stun rivals Marco Arop and Djamel Sedjati and claim a second straight Diamond League trophy in Brussels.

African Games gold medalist Gina Mariam Bass Bittaye took second in 23.01 seconds. Despite wishing for a faster time, McLaughlin-Levrone was pleased with her performance.

«It was great to race here, but to be honest, I am just happy with my successful season and with how everything turned out,» she said after the 200m race.

«It was a little bit warmer than yesterday, but still very chilly conditions. I definitely felt a little bit better than yesterday, but of course, I hoped for a faster time. It is what it is.»

To cap off her impressive weekend, the Brussels Diamond League organizers presented McLaughlin-Levrone with freshly baked waffles and desserts as a celebratory gesture.

The American sprinter, clearly caught off guard by the thoughtful gesture, expressed her gratitude while indulging in the treat.

«I am happy that I can walk away healthy and look back on a great season. «Now I am gonna enjoy my offseason and the Belgian waffles,» she said with a smile.

The moment, shared on social media by Allianz Memorial Van Damme, captured McLaughlin-Levrone’s surprise and joy at being honored with Belgium’s famous delicacy.

The video of her enjoying the waffles quickly garnered attention, with fans praising her humility and grace throughout the season.

McLaughlin-Levrone’s appearance at the Brussels meet was made possible by the inclusion of special Invitational races in the 200m and 400m events, a move by the organizers to honor her outstanding achievements.

The Olympic 800m gold medalist has shared insights on why the 800m world record remained unbroken by Marco Arop and Djamel Sedjati.

Although she was initially ineligible for the Diamond League final due to the meet’s rules, the organizers made an exception to ensure the four-time Olympic champion could compete.

The 2024 season has been one for the ages for McLaughlin-Levrone, who has cemented herself as one of the most dominant athletes in track and field history.

Despite only racing sparingly on the Diamond League circuit, she made her presence felt every time she stepped onto the track, including her last Diamond League race in Paris in 2023, where she finished second in the 400m.

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