McLaughlin-Levrone is also the world’s fastest 400m flat runner this year but opted to focus exclusively on the hurdles at these Games.
In an interview earlier this year with Telegraph Sport, McLaughlin-Levrone said that she thought that Marita Koch’s 47.60sec 400m flat world record was possible and would also like to try out other events such as the long jump.
“It’s a wonderful challenge,” says McLaughlin-Levrone. “I love trying to figure out new events – and see how you put a race like that together. It sounds insane but I’m sure it’s possible. I’m sure eventually somebody will.
“I love being able to have range, do different things. I’m still trying to convince Bobby [Kersee, her coach] to let me long jump. It would be super fun. I gotta get through this year first and then we can maybe negotiate.”
McLoughlin-Levrone is expected to run in the 4x400m relay later this week, where she can win the third Olympic gold of her career. The 25-year-old has also become the first American to defend gold in an individual track event since Michael Johnson’s back-to-back 400m titles in 1996 and 2000. McLaughlin-Levrone and Bol have now run 17 of the 20 fastest times in history.