McLaughlin-Levrone clocks fastest 400m hurdles time of the year
In an electrifying race, the 25-year-old American phenom clinched the 400m hurdles in an impressive 52.07 seconds, edging out Jamaica's Andrenette Knight, who finished second in 54.08. The competition was held under relatively calm conditions, with a wind speed of 1.3 m/sec.
"I've got some cleanup work still, but I'm pleased with my fitness level," said the victorious sprinter, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. "Given that it's only my second race of the year, I'm satisfied with my performance," she added, beaming with pride. McLaughlin-Levrone had previously broke her own world record last August during the championships in France, setting a blazing fast time of 50.37 seconds.
In the men's 400m, American Jacory Patterson surged to victory in a mind-blowing time of 43.98 seconds, setting a new world-best benchmark. Johann Jereem Richards from Trinidad and Tobago came in second, just behind Patterson with a time of 44.32. Patterson, who loads trucks on the overnight shift for a delivery service, achieved his main goal of securing a first-place finish to focus solely on training and leave his previous job behind.
"The race itself was a breeze, it felt like I was running on air," commented Patterson. "I can finally put all my energy into training without worrying about working night shifts." Patterson's triumphant victory in lane eight was indeed remarkable, as he set a new personal best.
Meanwhile, American Kenny Bednarek claimed the top spot in the men's 100m, registering a wind-aided time of 9.79 seconds. Jamaica's Oblique Seville came in second, just behind Bednarek with a time of 9.84, both athletes recording impressive times with a +2.4 m/sec wind boost.
In the women's 100m, Jamaica's Ackera Nugent sprinted to the finish line in 11.09 seconds, matching her personal best, and beating her fellow Jamaican, Megan Tapper, by 0.24 of a second. Sprint racing continues to heat up as talented athletes push the limits and break records, promising an exciting future for this dynamic sport.
© 2025 AFP (with added insights)
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, having clinched the 400m hurdles in France during the 2025 Olympics, might consider quitting her sports career given her impressive accomplishments, such as breaking her own world record and capturing the gold in such an impressive fashion. On the other hand, Jacory Patterson, the men's 400m winner, may not be planning to quit sports as he has expressed his desire to focus solely on training following his triumphant victory at the event, which propelled him to a new world-best time. As the sports world watches the achievements of these accomplished athletes, one can only imagine what fresh records might be set in future competitions.
