The Real Science of Sport Podcast Tokyo Day 6 and Day 7: SML's Near WR as Two Break 48 / 400m Hurdles / 200m Defence and Doubles
Sep 19, 2025
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone sizzles with a record-challenging 47.78 in the women's 400m, showcasing pacing strategies. The men's 400m surprised with Cabine Chipe's stunning win. Rai Benjamin's dramatic hurdles victory sparks DQ debates, while Femke Bol shines flawlessly. Noah Lyles defends his 200m title, and Melissa Jefferson-Wooden makes history with a remarkable double. Excitement builds for the upcoming women's 5000m duel and a tactical men's 800m showdown.
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Front-Loaded Pacing Produced 47.78
- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone led through 200m and ran a near-world-record 47.78 by running the first half much faster than in her semi.
- Her strategy shows world-record attempts often require front-loaded pacing and tolerating a painful final 100m.
Rivals Acted Like Pacemakers
- Alison dos Santos and Paulino's presence forced McLaughlin-Levrone to run faster early because they acted like pacemakers in adjacent lanes.
- Lane placement and competitors' tactics can materially change how a championship 400 is raced.
Desire To See McLaughlin Race More
- Mike Finch recounts wanting McLaughlin-Levrone to race more often to entertain the sport and build rivalries.
- He compares her to other athletes who raced frequently and contributed more to the circuit's spectacle.