Track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has always pushed herself beyond her limits, with this season being no different, as she won the 400m flat World title after transitioning from the 400m hurdles. However, a major scheduling conflict at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics will prevent her from attempting the 400m and 400m hurdles double, which is a significant disappointment for the reigning Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles.
What Scheduling Conflict Will Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Face At The 2028 Olympics?
McLaughlin-Levrone transitioned to the 400m flat this season, expressing a desire to explore a new challenge. Following the Paris Olympics, where she won the 400m hurdles, the American found no difficulty in adapting to the hurdles this year as she won her first world title in the event, even becoming the second-fastest woman to ever compete in it.
If she makes it past the first round of the 400m hurdles and the 400m semifinals, it looks like she still will not be able to do both the 400m and 400m hurdles at the Olympics. The 400m hurdles semifinals and the 400m finals are set for the same evening on July 20. Citius Magazine explained the schedule on X.
For those wondering if someone like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning World champion in the 400m and the Olympic champion in the 400m hurdles, will be able to do the 400m & 400m hurdles double at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles, sadly no.
Even if she cruised through the… pic.twitter.com/VMBWV5T2pD
— CITIUS MAG (@CitiusMag) November 12, 2025
The schedule showed overlapping of event timings along with dates, making it nearly impossible for the Olympic champion to participate in both events. While it wouldn’t be a problem on July 18, 2026, the real challenge will be on July 20. If they are conducted simultaneously or one after another, this is still to be determined.
The 2028 Games mark McLaughlin-Levrone’s third Olympic chapter, offering a chance to expand her impressive medal collection. Yet, the current schedule forces her to make a tough choice, sparking a wave of fan support for a change that would let her shine in both events.
McLaughlin-Levrone Discusses Other Events She Could Potentially Compete In
McLaughlin-Levrone opened up about her performance at the World Championships this year, where she almost broke the long-standing world record in the women’s 400m. Given how easily she was able to adapt to the event, it’s impossible to tell what other events she could compete in.
While she specializes in the 400m events, the sprinting sensation also added that she would love to give the 200m a few more attempts in an interview with NBC News:
“I definitely would love to run some more 200s in the future. I was hoping in 2024 to dip under 22 (seconds). … So maybe something like that. And then, you know, maybe going back to the hurdles for a little bit. I’m not really sure what the landscape fully looks like, but I think the exciting part is that there’s options and opportunity.”
In 2024, McLaughlin-Levrone made her competitive debut in the 200m at the Los Angeles Grand Prix, winning the event with a time of 22.07 seconds. She beat top athletes such as Gabby Thomas and Abby Steiner in the race, highlighting her exceptional talent in the sport of track and field.