Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on her way to a 400m win in Eugene (© Getty Images)
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone smiled wide as she won the 400m in a world-leading time of 48.74 at the US Championships in Eugene on Saturday (8), achieving the second-fastest 400m ever run by a US woman.
McLaughlin-Levrone looked characteristically relaxed as she tore down the track, clearing the rest of the field by the end of the backstretch and gathering a significant lead by the time she rounded to the final 100m. The podium finish matched Friday’s semifinal results, as Britton Wilson finished runner-up in 49.79 and 20-year-old Talitha Diggs placed third in a PB of 49.93.
The world was on watch for McLaughlin-Levrone’s talent in the flat 400m. Her decorated career has so far been dominated by excellence in the 400m hurdles, where she is the world record-holder and reigning world champion. She proved her ability to sustain progress throughout the championships, racing a 49.79 heat on Thursday and improving to a smooth 49.62 on Friday night.
She said she was happy with her final result, despite not beating the US record of 48.70 held by Sanya Richards-Ross.
“Honestly, I was just looking for anything better than my PR,” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “Obviously making the team is the number one goal, then you go for the win, then you go for the time. In that order. So, I met my goal, and I was very happy.”
Wilson joined McLaughlin-Levrone in claiming her first World Championships 400m place. Both athletes competed in the 400m hurdles final at the World Championships in Oregon last July.
In the men’s 400m, Bryce Deadmon surged to the lead and won his first national title with a 44.22 PB. Vernon Norwood took the second spot on the US team in 44.39 and Quincy Hall got third in a PB of 44.41.
Ali returns in full force
A national championships gold medal finally arrived for Nia Ali, the accomplished 2016 Olympic silver medallist and 2019 world champion, as she clocked 12.37 (0.4m/s) to win the 100m hurdles final. Olympic and world silver medallist Keni Harrison finished second in 12.42 and collegiate record-holder Masai Russell was third in 12.46.
Ali returned to competition during the 2022 season after taking maternity leave, but then lost her shot at a second world title when she clipped two hurdles and fell during the heats in Oregon. The 2023 season presents a new realm of opportunity for the mother of three.
She said that focusing on her family and her track career separately have helped her reach success and peace in both areas of her life.
“All that stress and anxiety, it just rolls off my shoulders,” Ali said. “I try to remember that I want to go out there and have fun and make the best of it, no matter the result.”
The women’s 1500m final drew attention for its dramatic finish. Athing Mu, the 21-year-old 800m world and Olympic champion, led the race until the final metres when Nikki Hiltz charged ahead for the win in 4:03.10. Mu followed in a 4:03.44 PB and Cory McGee was third (4:03.48). Sinclaire Johnson, the leader from the semifinals, took a tumble just steps from the finish.
Ewen rises to new heights, Ealey makes change
Maggie Ewen showcased the strength of the US women’s shot put when she launched a winning 19.92m throw in the final round of competition. Adelaide Aquilla was second with a 19.02m performance and Jalani Davis (18.62m) was third.
World champion Chase Ealey did not manage to retain her national title and finished fourth (18.62m) after several fouled attempts.
“I had the bye, so I chose this year to make some technical changes leading into Paris. I knew I would take a hit for it,” Ealey said. “I'm okay with that.”
Ewen, who threatened Ealey’s 20.51m US record with a 20.45m PB at the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix two months ago, said that the domestic rivalry makes them stronger as a team.
“She's one of my biggest supporters, and I’m one of hers,” Ewen said of Ealey. “When you have two people as talented as us who are competitive but also respectful and supportive of each other, it allows both of us to rise to new heights.”
Olympic and world silver medallist Chris Nilsen continued to excel in the men’s pole vault when he cleared 5.91m to collect his third consecutive national title. Zach McWhorter finished second with a PB height of 5.86m and Zach Bradford third (5.81m).
Other anticipated top finishers – two-time world champion Sam Kendricks and Olympian KC Lightfoot – did not perform to their typical calibre after failing to clear 5.81m.
In the men’s hammer, Olympic and world finalist Rudy Winkler took his fourth national title with a 79.04m throw. His 80.88m season’s best from May is the second-best mark in the world so far this year. Daniel Haugh (77.24) was second and Alex Young (75.87) was third.
Sha’Carri Richardson, who became the 100m national champion on Friday, advanced to the 200m semifinals after she posted the fastest heat time, a wind-assisted 21.61 (2.6m/s).
Madeline Ryan for World Athletics
