AFP, Eugene :
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone booked her place at the World Championships on Saturday after storming to victory in the 400m at the USA trials. McLaughlin-Levrone, the golden girl of US athletics and the greatest women’s 400m hurdler in history, powered home in 48.90secs at Eugene’s Hayward Field.
The 25-year-old two-time Olympic 400m hurdles champion and world record holder raised eyebrows this year by electing to take on a new challenge in the shape of the 400m flat. McLaughlin-Levrone told reporters on Saturday she wanted to test herself in the 400m this season after a six-year unbeaten streak in the 400m hurdles.
The decision came relatively recently, just ahead of the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meeting in early July, she said. “Going into Pre we had an idea we wanted to focus on the 400,” McLaughlin-Levrone said.
“And I think we were like – listen this is a challenge, it’s not as comfortable for us but I want to challenge myself.
“I felt like this is the year I wanted to step out of the box and really push myself in a different way. So obviously it’s uncomfortable, but I wanted to commit to it and I’m committed to it. “And just excited to see where I can push myself,” she told AFP. McLaughlin-Levrone confirmed there was no chance of her attempting to gain a spot in the 400m hurdles in Tokyo via this month’s Diamond League finals.
