The dynamic world of track and field is accustomed to frequent changes in the record books, with athletes continuously striving to break their own limits. Among the top performers in recent years, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone stands out, having shattered the women’s 400m hurdles world record six times in the past three years. Notably, three of these record-breaking performances came against her fierce rival, Femke Bol. However, the journey hasn’t been without challenges.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s rivalry with Bol began during the Tokyo Olympics. At the time, McLaughlin-Levrone was still honing her technical prowess, feeling less confident in her initial face-off with the Dutch athlete. However, with the guidance of her coach, Bob Kersee, she was able to push her limits and eventually emerge victorious, setting a new world record in the 400m hurdles.
As the rivalry intensified, McLaughlin-Levrone faced Bol again at the 2022 World Athletics Championships. By then, she had already broken the world record three times but still felt the pressure. She later described the experience in her book, Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith, as “mentally exhausting.” Despite these emotions, she once again claimed victory, breaking the world record. Her reflection revealed that behind her legendary status lies a normal person who experiences tension and the fear of losing. In moments of uncertainty, she found motivation in her faith and those close to her.
Before the final at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, McLaughlin-Levrone faced these same nerves. Her husband, Andre Levrone, provided comfort by encouraging her to turn to faith, while her coach, Bob Kersee, helped alleviate the pressure by speaking as if the race was already won. His advice to “attack everything” resonated with McLaughlin-Levrone, and she used this mindset to dominate the race.
On the day of the final, McLaughlin-Levrone found herself in lane 5, with Bol in lane 4 and another competitor, Dalilah Muhammad, in lane 6—positioning she believed gave her an advantage. In the end, McLaughlin-Levrone broke her own world record once again, shaving 0.73 seconds off her previous time. Bol, despite running her season-best, secured the silver medal, while Muhammad claimed bronze.
Following the race, McLaughlin-Levrone credited her coach for helping her stay on track and execute the race perfectly. Bol, acknowledging McLaughlin-Levrone’s dominance, expressed admiration for her rival, stating that competing against the best in the world was a remarkable experience. Despite Bol’s strong performance, McLaughlin-Levrone continued to maintain her lead in their ongoing rivalry, with a 3-0 record.
The article reflects on McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey, her emotions, and the support system that has helped her achieve these remarkable feats in the world of track
and field.
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