American Track and Field Star Leaves Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in the Dust with Major Upset

3 min read

The impossible has just happened. The queen, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, has been dethroned from her position! Now, this is a statement that you do not usually hear every day in the track and field realm. So when an athlete does manage to pull off this feat, it is evident that they are bound for great things. And a look at this athlete will reveal that she has quite the pedigree. This 27-year-old sprinter from America has won a couple of medals in the 2019 Pan American Games in Peru. But her biggest highlight came in the Paris Olympics 2024, when she won a silver medal in the 400m hurdles. And who did she finish behind? Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. 

So, who is this latest track and field phenom? Well, it’s none other than Anna Cockrell. Her latest antics came when she took the tracks by storm at the John McDonnell Invitational 2025. Competing in the 300m hurdles category, Cockrell was the favorite to win the race. But how she won took everybody by surprise. Dropping a time of 38.07s, Cockrell took the gold. 

The expanse of her run could be fathomed by taking a look at the timings of her opponents. As Cockrell was quick off the blocks, she dominated the race from start to finish without slowing down even once. Obliterating her competitors, the second-placed Andrenette Knight clocked 38.65s, while the third-placed Saira Prince could muster 39.63s. With this performance, Cockrell has dethroned Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Cockrell has now become the fastest American female in the 300m hurdles category.

Anna Cockrell 38.07 300mH

Moves ahead of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone for the fastest American of all-time and second-fastest in world history behind Femke Bol’s 36.86.pic.twitter.com/M0BChD0FdT

— Travis Miller (@travismillerx13) April 25, 2025

Previously, it was Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone who held the record. Back in 2017, McLaughlin-Levrone clocked 38.90s to become the fastest American. However, this was not all. Cockrell now sits in the second position in world history. The only person standing in her way is Femke Bol, who has a blitzkrieg timing of 36.86 seconds to beat! Thus, with such a strong showing, it is expected that the clash of Cockrell and McLaughlin-Levrone will be an intense battle to follow this season. However, ahead of the new season, McLaughlin-Levrone has some interesting thoughts to share.

This is a developing story…

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