Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s 100m Debut Turns Heads—Is She About to Dominate Sprinting Too?
Just a day before her first professional 100m race, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone found herself already in the shadow of Jamaican star Ackera Nugent, who fired off a scorching 12.44s in the 100m hurdles at Grand Slam Track in Philadelphia. Nugent even threw a respectful challenge her way, suggesting that Sydney’s presence would only elevate the competition. But if the pressure rattled Sydney, she didn’t show it.
In a calm pre-race interview, Sydney said it best: “I’m trying to evolve. I’m trying to be the next best version of me.” That mindset showed up loud and clear on race day.
On June 1, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone clocked an impressive 11.21 seconds in the 100m—just 0.09 seconds behind Ackera Nugent, who won the event. What makes that more remarkable is that this was Sydney’s first 100m race since 2018, and her first-ever professional one. Despite limited preparation—just a few start-block sessions with sprint star Trayvon Bromell—Sydney managed to outperform more seasoned 100m runners, including Ditaji Kambundji.
Her 11.21s debut set the track world buzzing.
One fan summed it up: “Sydney as a 400hurdler running 11.21 is actually insane.” Another joked: “She’s such a 400m runner man lol. Her form is just a quarter form. But she ran a damn good time for her first one!”
This isn’t the first time Sydney has stunned the field outside her comfort zone. Last year, she beat Gabby Thomas—one of the world’s best 200m runners—in her own event at the LA Grand Prix. That came after Sydney had already outdueled Gabby in the 400m at the NYC Grand Prix. She didn’t pursue the 200m further that season, but the message was clear: Sydney doesn’t just dabble—she dominates.
Her 100m performance now joins a growing list of serious events she’s competed in: the 100m, 100m hurdles, 200m, 400m flat, 400m hurdles, and relays. Few athletes in track and field history have shown this kind of versatility.
More than a one-off, her 11.21s debut felt like a statement. And for someone who opened her season with a world-leading time in the 400m hurdles, then stepped down to the 100m with minimal prep and still delivered, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is reminding fans that greatness can thrive in any lane.
Whether she chooses to stick with the 100m or not, one thing is certain: Sydney’s evolution is far from over—and the track world better be ready.