Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Explains Why 400m Hurdles Is One of Track's Toughest Events

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is the greatest 400mH runner in history // Image source: Imago

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Explains Why 400m Hurdles Is One of Track's Toughest Events

Mark Kinyanjui 13:08 - 10.04.2025

Kenny Bednarek has dared Noah Lyles to tone down on his Grand Slam Track reservations in order to come out and challenge him following his dominating display in Kingston.

American hurdle sensation Sydney McLauglin-Levrone has revealed what makes 400mH running difficult, explaining what has made her dominate the field for the last five years.

At just 25, McLaughlin-Levrone has already cemented her status as arguably the greatest hurdler of all time. She has broken the record six times, won two Olympic gold medals in the event, a world title and has also been named female track athlete of the year by World Athetics on two separate occasions.

Having also won two more gold medals in the 4 by 400m relay representing the USA, McLaughlin-Levrone has now shared the secrets behind her dominance, explaining how she is able to make a field of seven other women look non-existent.

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 "I think you’re always aware—especially when you can see the girls outside of you. You know who’s going over the hurdle first, who’s in the lead,” McLaughlin-Levrone shared in a discussion with Michael Johnson on the Upfront Ventures podcast.

“ So I’m always cognizant of that, especially going down the backstretch. But ultimately, you have to run your race.”

McLauglin-Levrone, who is coached by the legendary Bobby Kersee, has revealed how she focuses on the given race plan instructed to her by the veteran tactician, which keeps her ahead of the curve.

“ I have my race plan, and I know what my coach has told me to execute. Once you get to hurdle seven or eight, that’s when the race really starts.

“ From there, it’s just about giving everything you have and making sure you get over the hurdles clean coming home."

Meanwhile, she also gave an insight into what running the 400mH is actually like, and what makes it a particularly tricky affair.

"You're running a whole lap at full speed while jumping over 10 barriers. It requires speed, strength, endurance, and the flexibility to hurdle,” McLaughlin Levrone said.

“You need the skill to switch legs when you get tired, or whatever the situation demands. I really feel like it encompasses the whole athlete—that’s why it’s one of the most grueling events. 

“You're running flat out, you have to be strong enough to sustain it, flexible enough to adapt, and wise enough to know which leg to take each hurdle with. It’s brutal, but I think that’s part of why I love it."

McLaughlin-Levrone is currently gearing up for another dominant season, with fans eagerly awaiting whether she will break the 50-second barrier next. One thing’s for sure: when Sydney steps onto the track, you’re not just watching a race—you’re witnessing the blueprint of perfection in motion.

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