McLaughlin-Levrone Scores Two out of Two at Allianz Memorial Van Damme

Because McLaughlin-Levrone had not run a single Wanda Diamond League qualifying meet this season, she was not allowed to compete in the 200 metres Wanda Diamond League final in accordance with the regulations. However, she could in the extra 200 metres that the Memorial had put on the programme. The American did not disappoint and triumphed in 22.40. A very good time, considering the chilly weather conditions.

That it was a top time was also demonstrated by the result of the Wanda Diamond League final run half an hour later. In that, another American, Brittany Brown, was the best with a time of 22.20. Britain's Daryll Neita came second in 22.45, which means McLaughlin-Levrone would have finished second with her time had she competed in that final ...

It was even more amazing in the 'extra' 400 metres on Friday. McLaughlin-Levrone won it in 49.11, the seventh best time of the year and well faster than the 49.45 with which Olympic Champion Marileidy Paulino won the Wanda Diamond League final later in the evening. McLaughlin-Levrone was not allowed to participate in that final either for the same reason as for the 200 metres.

With a gold medal and fabulous world record of 50.37 in the 400-metre hurdles and gold in the 4x400 metres with Team USA, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone crowned herself the athletics queen of the Olympics. After Paris, she took a well-deserved break before returning to action at one more meeting: the Allianz Memorial Van Damme.