Diamond League Final 2024: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone wins 200m invitational race in Brussels

The 400m hurdles queen continues to make statements on the flat, clocking 22.40 at the Memorial Van Damme.

Close-up of McLaughlin-Levrone smiling while holding flowers after her win
(REUTERS/Johanna Geron)

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone came to Brussels with a singular mission: to beat herself.

On a clear night at the Memorial Van Damme on Saturday (14 September), hopes looked high for the four-time Olympic gold medallist in the invitational 200m after her victory in a similar 400m race on Friday.

McLaughlin-Levrone was unable to eclipse her personal best of 22.07, but she did manage to win in 22.40 and gain invaluable experience for next season.

"I am always striving for more but, at the end of the day, I'm walking away happy and healthy," she said. "With this season we did, I really can't complain. Plus, you have to leave something for the future.”

Her appearances in the Belgian capital beg the question: will we see more of McLaughlin-Levrone on the flat after she has achieved everything over hurdles? "I'm sure we will," she admitted to Olympics.com. "These races keep me on my toes and help me with the hurdles. I love challenging myself and seeing what's possible."

For now, McLaughlin-Levrone can savour the moment, as well as fresh Belgian waffles in the mixed zone following the race. "It's delicious. It was warm when they gave it to me," she shared with a smile.

More from