TOKYO, Japan — Sept. 18, 2025 (AP/Tokyo Desk) — In a rain-soaked stadium in Tokyo, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone made athletics history, storming to gold in the women’s 400 metres flat at the 2025 World Athletics Championships. Timing at 47.78 seconds, she ran the fastest women’s 400m in nearly four decades. Reuters+2Wikipedia+2
Context / Background
McLaughlin-Levrone, already dominant in the 400m hurdles with multiple Olympic and world titles, has this season made a bold transition into the flat 400m event. Earlier in the championships, she broke the U.S. record in the 400m semifinals, running 48.29 seconds. Reuters+3The Times of India+3Wikipedia+3
Her final in Tokyo was closely contested, especially with Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino, who finished just behind her in 47.98 seconds, themselves among the fastest women ever in the event. Reuters+1
Quotations
“It’s amazing, it’s an honour,” McLaughlin-Levrone said after crossing the line. “I knew there were a lot of people doubting me with making the switch from 400 metres hurdles to the flat 400m, but ultimately … I knew I had it in me. It was just a matter of time.” Reuters
Paulino added in her post-race comments:
“I’m thankful for having the opportunity to break 48. I still feel like a winner.” NBC New York+1
What’s Confirmed vs What’s Alleged / Expected
Confirmed:
McLaughlin-Levrone won the 400m flat at the 2025 World Athletics Championships with 47.78 s, the fastest time by a woman in 400m in 40 years. Reuters+1
She broke the U.S. record in the 400m semifinal (48.29 s). The Times of India+1
Marileidy Paulino and Salwa Eid Naser took silver and bronze, respectively. Reuters+1
Expected / Under Discussion:
Her decision to fully shift focus from hurdles to the flat event in future championships (including Olympics) is being evaluated. Canadian Running Magazine+2Reuters+2
The possibility of McLaughlin-Levrone challenging or breaking Marita Koch’s world record (47.60 s from 1985) is now more realistically in view. Reuters+2Wikipedia+2
Conclusion / Next Steps
With this victory, McLaughlin-Levrone cements herself not only as a hurdles legend but as a threat in the 400m flat for years to come. Attention now will turn to her preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where expectations will likely include both defending or improving flat-400m stats and possibly reconsidering the hurdles event schedule. Coaches, competitors, and the athletics world will be watching to see whether she continues to split focus or specializes. Furthermore, conversations about record‐keeping, athlete legacies, and comparisons to past eras — especially pre- and post-doping scrutiny — are likely to intensify.
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