Arch-rivals have turned into potential allies, raising the question: Could this be the tagline for an exciting new track and field supergroup? With the conclusion of the 2024 Paris Olympics, track fans now have several developments to look forward to, including the idea of watching Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone take the lead in Olympic legend Michael Johnson’s ambitious Grand Slam Track project. However, some seasoned athletes believe the four-time Olympic gold medalist shouldn’t dismiss the possibility of teaming up with one of her fiercest competitors.
At the Paris Games, McLaughlin-Levrone successfully defended her two gold medals from three years prior. One of these victories was in the women’s 400m hurdles, where she defeated Dutch rival Femke Bol to set a new world record. Despite this intense rivalry, some pundits are suggesting that these two stars should consider collaborating in a thrilling new league.
On September 15, former sprinters Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green discussed the possibility of McLaughlin-Levrone and Bol joining the same camp on the Ready Set Go podcast. During the conversation, 2004 Olympic gold medalist Gatlin proposed that the top athletic footwear brands should create an international track league to showcase head-to-head competition among elite runners. The hosts discussed how companies like Puma, ASICS, Nike, and Adidas could bring about a new era in track sports. Naturally, McLaughlin-Levrone’s name came up during this discussion.
Green emphasized the star power within New Balance’s roster, saying the company would dominate the women’s 4x400m relay in such a competition. “New Balance got Femke Bol, they got Sydney McLaughlin, they got Gabby Thomas and they got Kendall Ellis,” he listed, expressing how formidable this team would be in a relay race. Green also expressed enthusiasm for the potential event, noting, “Ain’t no shoe company… but they not beating New Balance. I know that for a fact, and I would love to see that 4×4.” This hypothetical league could provide Bol the chance to set aside her rivalry with McLaughlin-Levrone and join forces for a different quest.
Femke Bol, a Dutch Olympian and dominant figure in hurdle events, is seen as a formidable opponent for McLaughlin-Levrone. However, Bol experienced disappointment at the Paris Olympics when she stumbled in the 400m hurdles final, describing it as the worst race of her life. Her frustration was evident after the race, especially considering how she had broken the indoor 400m world record twice leading up to the Games. Although fans were left wanting more from their rivalry in Paris, they might welcome the prospect of these two athletes teaming up.
On the other hand, McLaughlin-Levrone, after winning both of her events in the 2024 Diamond League finale, hinted at a possible introspection regarding her future in the sport. She acknowledged that her career as a professional sprinter might not have many years left. Given this, many fans would love to see her team up with Bol for some thrilling competition before she steps away from the track.
The idea of McLaughlin-Levrone and Bol racing together, possibly alongside stars like Gabby Thomas, could be historic and electrifying for track and field enthusiasts. The prospect of this dream team has sparked debates and excitement within the track community. What do you think? Who else would make the cut for this star-studded relay team?
Leave a Reply