In 2006, Sanya Richards-Ross ran one of the greatest 400-meter races of all time, clocking 48.70 seconds in Athens. For nearly two decades, nobody could touch the American record set by the 2012 Olympic champion, until now.
On Tuesday, September 16—19 years to the day of Richards-Ross’ performance—Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone obliterated the time at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, winning the women’s 400-meter semifinal in 48.29 seconds. The two-time Olympic champion in the 400-meter hurdles eased up before the finish line, clocking in more than a full second ahead of runner-up Amber Anning of Great Britain.
McLaughlin-Levrone is now No. 7 all-time in the event. The 26-year-old beat her previous personal best by 0.45 seconds.
After the race in Japan National Stadium, the five-time national champion told reporters she felt “honored” to break the record. “Defintely wasn’t expecting that time, but it just shows the fitness is there. Excited for the finals and grateful to have taken down a record by an amazing woman.”
McLaughlin-Levrone said she ran the last 30 meters “a bit more reserved” to win her heat and advance.
For the last several years, the world record-holder has dominated the 400-meter hurdles with a world title and two consecutive Olympic gold medals. Now, she’s making history in another event.
On Thursday, September 18, she’ll return for the 400-meter final. If she wins, McLaughlin-Levrone will be the first athlete ever to claim world championship gold in the 400 meters and 400-meter hurdles.
Taylor Dutch is a writer and editor living in Austin, Texas, and a former NCAA track athlete who specializes in fitness, wellness, and endurance sports coverage. Her work has appeared in Runner’s World, SELF, Bicycling, Outside, and Podium Runner.
