'Very Difficult to Bet Against Sydney' - American Sprint Legend gives Honest Opinion after Olympian's Season Opener

Olympic Champion Gabby Thomas. Photo. Imago

'Very Difficult to Bet Against Sydney' - American Sprint Legend gives Honest Opinion after Olympian's Season Opener

Evans Ousuru 21:50 - 12.04.2025

American sprint legend has given his verdict about Sydney McLauglin-Levrone after cruising to easy win in season opener.

Olympic 400m hurdles champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has received the backing of American legend following her heroics at the inaugural edition of the Grand Slam Track event.

The Michael Johnson-backed event got off to a flying start in Kingston, Jamaica between April 4-6, and McLaughlin-Levrone's performance garnered attention and praise from former athlete, Justin Gatlin.

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McLaughlin 25, cruised to victory in two events, her favorite specialty 400m hurdles and the 400m flat races.

The three-time world champion ran a blistering speed of 52.76 seconds in the hurdles and showcased her class in the 400m flat by cutting the tape in 50.32 seconds despite windy conditions.

Gatlin, who won the 100m gold at the 2004 Olympics in Athens, made his feelings known according to Sports Keeda.

“It'd be hard. It'd be very, very difficult to bet against Sydney, especially in her premiere event or any other event that she steps into. Because Sydney is the kind of person, like she's just not going to throw herself into a competition. She's going to do her research. She's going to train for it," Gatlin said.

Gatlin went on to explain how being coached by Bobby has had a significant impact in McLaughlin-Levrone's performance.

"And you got to remember, her coach is Bobby. Bobby is that kind of guy. He does not want to lose. He wants you to put excellent out on the track. And watching her run at Grand Slam, it was hard to bet against her for the 400 hurdles and open 4-2 in that situation. So she ran away with it."

The statement victory in Jamaican not only ensured that the American starts 2025 season on a high but acted as warning to her rivals that she won't settle for less other than gold no matter the competition this year.

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