Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone stormed to victory in her 400m semi-final at the 2025 World Athletics Championships, setting a new world lead and U.S. record with a breathtaking time of 48.29 seconds on Tuesday, September 16. This stunning performance has set the stage for an exhilarating final on Thursday, where she will face off against world champion Marileidy Paulino and defending champion Salwa Eid Naser.

World Lead and U.S. Record in Style

Running from lane 8, McLaughlin-Levrone, the former world record holder in the 400m hurdles, dominated her semi-final. She left her competitors in her wake, finishing more than a second ahead of second-place Amber Anning (49.38). This stunning performance saw her not only break the world-leading time but also establish a new U.S. record in the 400m flat.

“This race definitely gives me confidence for the final […] I still have more to show. I feel strong and good, and have confidence in my fitness. I will give everything I have in the final.”

— Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Paulino and Eid Naser Make it Through

Paulino and Eid Naser, who will now challenge McLaughlin-Levrone for the gold medal, both secured their spots in the final with strong performances in their respective semi-finals. Paulino, runner-up to McLaughlin-Levrone in the 2023 World Championships, booked her place in the final by finishing second in her semi with a time of 49.82 seconds. Meanwhile, Eid Naser cruised to victory in her semi, clocking 49.47 seconds.

Paulino’s Semi-final Drama

Paulino’s semi-final was a thrilling chapter in the 400m saga, with Natalia Bukowiecka of Poland (49.67) threatening to pounce on her in the closing meters. However, Paulino held on to grab second place, securing her spot in the final by the narrowest of margins. Following her was Norway’s Henriette Jæger (49.87), who pushed Paulino all the way to the line.

Eid Naser’s Comfortable Victory

Eid Naser, the 2019 World Champion and Tokyo 2020 Olympic 400m bronze medalist, had a smoother journey into the final. She won her semi-final comfortably, finishing ahead of Cuba’s Roxana Gomez (49.78).

The Final Showdown

All roads now lead to Thursday’s final, where the world will witness an exciting battle for supremacy between McLaughlin-Levrone, Paulino, and Eid Naser. With her stunning semi-final performance, McLaughlin-Levrone will enter the final as the clear favorite, but her two formidable rivals will undoubtedly challenge her every step of the way.

**Did you know?**

• Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s 400m hurdles world record of 50.68 seconds still stands, showcasing her incredible versatility as an athlete.
• Marileidy Paulino is a two-time world champion, winning gold in the 400m in 2021 and the 4x400m relay in 2023.
• Salwa Eid Naser is the current 400m world champion, having won gold at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha.

The 2025 World Athletics Championships promises an explosive finale in the women’s 400m, with three of the world’s greatest sprinters set to clash for gold. Stay tuned for more updates from 247sports.news

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