Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was not quite at her best, but still did more than enough to win the women’s 400m at the Prefontaine Classic on Saturday (5 July).
Running in the non-Diamond League event at Hayward Field, the four-time Olympic gold medallist chased down a hot pace set by Aaliyah Butler early on, and was in charge coming off the final bend. But the 25-year-old did not storm home in her usual style, although she had plenty in hand on her rivals.
McLaughlin-Levrone had been expected to challenge Sanya Richards-Ross’ US record of 48.70, and she looked slightly disappointed with her winning time of 49.43 although that was a season’s best.
Butler was closing again at the end as she took second in 49.86 with Isabella Whittaker third in 50.81. Ireland’s Rhasidat Adeleke clocked 51.33 to take fourth place.
“It wasn’t my best work, but just happy to be here and happy to get another race under my belt,” admitted McLaughlin-Levrone afterwards. “I definitely have to go back and watch the race, probably with my first 200 just going out a little more fearlessly, trusting my fitness on the back end, but I’ll have to go home and watch the race.”
On Richards-Ross’s record, she said, “I think it’s on the mind always. Of course, it’s about executing, making sure all the things match up and that will come when it comes, and Sanya is an amazing athlete so I’m not surprised (the record) is still standing. I know I’m capable of it, it’s just a matter of putting the race together.
“It’s a long year, so I’m really just taking it day by day, taking it slow, building and seeing which direction you want to go in by the end of it.”