Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will not be competing at the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest this month. She was planning to race the 400, and was also listed in the 4x400m relay pool. The Olympic and world champion and world record holder in the 400m hurdles announced in an Instagram story today that an injury will keep her out of the competition, which begins in just eight days.
“After consulting with my doctors and coaches,” she wrote, “I need to take care of a minor knee issue so that I can be fully healthy for next years’ Paris Olympics. I look forward to seeing everyone back on the track soon!”
McLaughlin-Levrone had to withdraw from her last meet three weeks ago due to a recurring knee issue, but she didn’t say in her post whether the injuries are related. Just last month, the 24-year-old sprinter won the US 400m title in 48.74 seconds, a mere four hundredths shy of the American record, and the world’s fastest time since Shaunae Miller-Uibo won the 2020 Tokyo Olympics in 48.36.
Taking her place in Budapest will be Lynna Irby-Jackson, who finished fourth at the USA Track and Field Outdoor Championships. Irby-Jackson had already qualified for the 4x400m relay team, and will now race the individual 400m as well, alongside Britton Wilson and Talitha Diggs.
In a statement from USA Track and Field, the organization backed McLaughlin-Levrone’s withdrawal from the race, saying, “We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back on the track soon.”
Abby Carney is a writer and journalist in New York. A former D1 college runner and current amateur track athlete, she's written about culture and characters in running and outdoor sports for Runner's World, Like the Wind Magazine, Like the Wind Magazine, and other outlets. She also writes about things that have nothing to do with running, and was previously the editor of a food magazine.
