American sprint icon Tyson Gay explains specific quality that makes Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone unstoppable

American sprint icon Tyson Gay explains specific quality that makes Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone unstoppable

Mark Kinyanjui 17:05 - 27.08.2024

The American 100m record holder has explained the quality that makes Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone unstoppable.

American sprinting legend Tyson Gay has shared his thoughts on the unique qualities that make Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone such a formidable competitor in the world of athletics. 

After her stellar performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics, where she not only defended her Olympic title but also set a new world record, McLaughlin-Levrone has solidified her status as arguably the greatest women’s hurdler in history.

At just 25 years old, McLaughlin-Levrone continues to push the boundaries of what is achievable in the 400-meter hurdles.

 Her latest record-breaking performance marks the sixth time she has set a new world record, a testament to her unparalleled dominance in the sport. 

Five years ago, the world record for the event stood at 52 seconds—a time that now seems distant, as McLaughlin-Levrone, alongside competitors like Dalilah Muhammad and Femke Bol, has redefined the event.

McLaughlin-Levrone’s impact on the sport extends beyond her own achievements. The influence of her performances is evident in the rising standards among her competitors.

 For instance, silver medalist Anna Cockrell clocked an impressive 51.87 seconds, making her the fourth-fastest woman ever in the event—an accomplishment that would have been almost unthinkable just a season ago.

Her 50.37-second finish in the Olympic final not only set a new world record but also made her the first woman to successfully defend her Olympic title in the 400-meter hurdles, following her gold medal at Tokyo 2020 in 2021. 

Despite fierce competition from athletes like eventual bronze medalist Femke Bol, who was in peak form heading into the Games, McLaughlin-Levrone’s dominance remained unmatched.

Speaking as a guest on the Jim Conlan Chats YouTube channel, Tyson Gay highlighted what makes McLaughlin-Levrone so difficult to beat.

 "Sydney is in a world of her own. I have never seen nothin’ like this," Gay remarked, emphasizing her exceptional mental fortitude.

 "I think she made her first Olympic team when she was 16 if I am not mistaken, but I believe she is so dominant mentally, she is so focused," he added. "I don’t believe nothin’ can distract her."

McLaughlin-Levrone could soon turn to the 400m flat following her accomplishments, although she could look to be the first ever female athlete to get over the line in less than 50 seconds in her specialist event before fully transitioning into the hurdle-less event.

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