Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone sitting out world championships due to injury
2022 World Champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will not have the chance to repeat this year. The Olympian is dealing with a minor knee injury that will prevent her from competing.
McLaughlin-Levrone, who holds the world record in the 400m hurdles, made the news about her withdrawal known Friday, just eight days prior to the start of the world championships in Budapest, Hungary. The former Kentucky track and field star previously withdrew from a pre-worlds meet three weeks ago caused by a nagging knee injury.
“I am sad to share that I must withdraw from this year’s World Championships meet in Budapest,” McLaughlin-Levrone wrote on social media. “After consulting with my doctors and coaches, I need to take care of a minor knee issue so that I can be fully healthy for next year’s Paris Olympics. I look forward to seeing everyone back on the track soon!”
McLaughlin-Levrone is not expected to race again in 2023, although her coach says she will not require surgery, according to the Los Angeles Times. She will instead “undergo physical therapy along with strength and conditioning work”.
McLaughlin-Levrone is considered one of the sport’s top draws. She’s been running the 400m flat this season, posting the 10th-fastest time in history in July with a speed of 48.74 seconds. That time was four hundredths shy of becoming the new American record and was the fastest time in the world since Shaunae Miller-Uibo (Bahamas) ran it in 48.36 seconds during the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
USA Track and Field released a statement soon after the news of her injury broke, according to USA TODAY Sports, supporting McLaughlin-Levrone’s decision.
“We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back on the track soon. The named alternate, Lynna Irby-Jackson, will take her place in the 400.”
The World Championships are set to begin on Saturday, August 19 in Budapest and will continue through August 27.
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