In what was hailed as one of the greatest women’s 400m finals in championship history, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone delivered a performance for the ages, winning gold at the World Athletics Championships 2025 in Tokyo with a Championship Record of 47.78 seconds.
The reigning world record holder in the 400m hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone switched focus to the flat 400m this season with her sights set on global gold — and she delivered in spectacular fashion, despite the rain pouring down in Tokyo. Her time was the second-fastest ever recorded, trailing only Marita Koch’s world record of 47.60 seconds set in 1985 and new national record.
As anticipated, the race evolved into a thrilling three-way battle between McLaughlin-Levrone, Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino, and 2019 world champion Salwa Eid Naser. Just 0.41 seconds separated the medalists in a dramatic finish.
Paulino, running from lane eight, produced the race of her life, surging in the final 100 meters to challenge McLaughlin-Levrone. She claimed silver with a national record of 47.98 seconds, while Naser secured bronze in 48.19 seconds, her season’s best.
In the men’s 400m final, Busang Collen Kebinatshipi made history for Botswana, becoming the nation’s first-ever male world champion. The 21-year-old stormed to victory with a world-leading national record of 43.53 seconds, placing him 10th on the all-time global list.
TOKYO, JAPAN – SEPTEMBER 18: Busang Collen Kebinatshipi of Team Botswana celebrates after crossing the finish line in first place to win the gold medal during the Men’s 400 Metres Final on day six of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 2025 at National Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
Jereem Richards of Trinidad and Tobago claimed silver with a national record of 43.72 seconds, adding to his 200m bronze from London 2017. Botswana’s dominance continued as Bayapo Ndori joined Kebinatshipi on the podium, taking bronze with a season-best 44.20 seconds.
400m Women Final: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) – 47.78 CR WL NR, Marileidy Paulino (DOM) – 47.98 NR, Salwa Eid Naser (BRN) – 48.19 SB
400m Men Final: Busang Collen Kebinatshipi (BOT) – 43.53 WL NR, Jereem Richards (TTO) – 43.72 NR, Bayapo Ndori (BOT) – 44.20 SB
Triple Jump Women Final: Leyanis Pérez Hernández (CUB) – 14.94m WL, Thea LaFond (DMA) – 14.89m SB, Yulimar Rojas (VEN) – 14.76m SB