Injury Sidelines Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone from Budapest 23 400m Showdown

The much-anticipated clash at the Budapest 23 World Athletics Championships, the women’s 400m featuring Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Shaunae Miller-Uibo, and Marileidy Paulino, will not materialize. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was forced to withdraw due to a “minor knee issue.”

She posted on her social media, “After consulting with my doctors and coaches, I need to address a minor knee issue to ensure my full health for next year’s Paris Olympics. I look forward to returning to the track soon,” wrote the undisputed queen of the women’s 400m hurdles. ALSO READ: Femke Bol and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Set for Epic Clash

Shaunae Miller-Uibo from the Bahamas, who gave birth four months ago, holds the title of defending champion. Marileidy Paulino from the Dominican Republic and McLaughlin-Levrone have been the two standout athletes this season.

Last month, McLaughlin-Levrone secured victory in the U.S. 400m title with a time of 48.74 seconds, a mere four hundredths shy of the American record. This timing marked the world’s fastest time since Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas clinched the Tokyo Olympic title in 48.36.

Marileidy Paulino, the Olympic and world silver medalist from the Dominican Republic, stands as the second-fastest woman globally this year, trailing only McLaughlin-Levrone.

A statement from USA Track and Field expressed full support for McLaughlin-Levrone’s decision, stating, “We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to her return to the track.”

Who will replace Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in USA’s team for Budapest 23?

Lynna Irby-Jackson will take McLaughlin-Levrone’s place in the individual 400m event at the championships. Irby-Jackson, who secured fourth place at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships, was already a part of the U.S. roster for the 4x400m relays. She joins Britton Wilson and Talitha Diggs on the U.S. team for the individual 400m event.

In other track and field news update, Sustainability at WCH Budapest 23 – what to expect and Femke Bol and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Set for Epic Clash