Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s 400m victory at the 2025 World Championships was already historic. She clocked 47.78 seconds, the fastest time in four decades, and just 0.18 seconds short of being the world record. But the conversation didn’t stop at the finish line. Marileidy Paulino, who finished just 0.20 seconds behind, sparked a debate by suggesting consistency matters more than racing a few times a year. However, fans immediately rallied to defend McLaughlin-Levrone.

During the post-race interview, Paulino took a subtle jibe at McLaughlin-Levrone. She claimed, “I feel like I won because I’ve been preparing myself, running five consecutive years, running six, seven, eight races a year, and that’s called winning. Not just showing up two or three times a year.” Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is more of a hurdler than a flat racer. Yet, she took up a challenge and, despite running only a handful of 400m flats this season, secured the gold medal in record-breaking time. Needless to say, the track fans were completely impressed as she defeated stars like Paulino and Salwa Eid Naser. 

Taking to X, a fan page named Sydney McLaughlin fans decided to defend the champion’s honor. The post read, “People must not forget that Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone deciding to run the 400 flat against Paulino and Naser was a massive risk. She was on paper a massive underdog against them and some even had doubts that she would medal. Her winning and in that fashion is truly inspiration.”  

It’s not like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was oblivious to people doubting her stance in the finale, as she made a switch from the hurdles to the flat. But she had faith in her training. And in the end, she almost came close to breaking Marita Koch’s 40-year-old world record. 

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Fans defend Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone following her record-breaking run in Tokyo

Most fans admitted that going against Paulino and Naser was a massive risk for McLaughlin-Levrone. But what made things even more interesting was the fact that she simply did it because she wanted a challenge. One fan commented, “she point blank said she wanted a challenge! that should make Paulino and Naser feel honored.. sorry- i know it hurts feelings that you have it your all and got beat- fuel you for next challenge.”

More so, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has rewritten records in the 400m hurdles six times, lowering barriers no woman had touched before. This year she left the barriers behind, entering the 400m flat as a full-season pursuit. Some fans commended the champ’s training and the work she have put in to claim the win. But they also had some praise for Paulino and Naser. One comment read, “Honestly, I figured she would win. She’s really strong, well-trained, and lion-hearted. Hats off to the women who took second and third, too. Those three ran away from everyone.”

Of course, the 400m race etched a never-dying memory in the fans’ hearts. The rivalry and the finish that the finale painted were enough for many to believe that it was the greatest race ever. Paulino finished in 47.98, the third fastest mark in history, while Salwa Eid Naser of Bahrain took bronze in 48.19. A fan wrote, “The greatest race I have EVER seen in my life and I’ve seen every race at every major from 1988 on and most of the earlier (if filmed). It was unbelievable.” Another fan added to the notion and commented, “Yes. However, on paper, means anything. MacLauglin-Leverone was the favourite. The great thing she does when running is to win within the capabilities of the opposition. Graceful and beautiful runner. I do not think I have seen better. It was a great run.  Hats off.”

But the praise for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was never-ending. One fan agreed with the post and wrote, “Truly inspirational and extraordinary. This lady’s story will someday serve as motivation for lots of people around the world.” Meanwhile, another fan shared a hopeful wish to witness the champ going sub-46s. The comment read, “Well, I’ve been saying she could go 47 ever since that 50.68 three years ago. In fact, I think she is capable of a 46.”  

In fact, with LA 2028 on the horizon, the evidence points toward her preparing for a historic triple-gold attempt: 400m, 400m hurdles, and the relay.