Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Breaks Own 400-Meter Hurdle World Record in New Balance Spikes at Paris Olympics

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone broke her own world record on Thursday night in Paris. The track star took home gold for the U.S. and defended her 400m hurdles title in 50.37 seconds.

McLaughlin wore the New Balance FuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 spike shoes for the history-making race.

“I came here with a goal to win gold but had to handle it one race at a time, focus on myself, control what I could control, and improve each time,” she said in statement. “I felt so strong in the backend of the race but the moment I crossed the finish line, I couldn’t believe it. To win my second gold medal in the 400m hurdles and break my own world record is such a blessing and I’m so thankful for my team, my coach, my family, and sponsors for the amazing support system.”

Fellow New Balance athlete Femke Bol, of the Netherlands, also wore the shoe during the race and had a time of 52.150 ,which landed her a bronze medal. American Anna Cockrell took home silver.

“Sydney is such an impressive athlete and competitor. You never know what kind of greatness her races will hold,” added Pete Riley, head of running sports marketing at New Balance. “We’re also so proud of our athlete, Femke Bol on a stellar Olympic performance. She brought home gold for the Netherlands in the 4x400m mixed relay and had a strong race in the 400m hurdles. We’re excited to see these women excel and push the sport forward.”

The New BalanceFuelCell SuperComp MD-X v3 spike shoes are proving to be an Olympic athlete’s secret weapon. New Balance athlete Gabby Thomas also wore the spike in Paris for her gold-medal win in the 200m.

On Friday, Thomas, along with Melissa Jefferson, Twanisha Terry, Gabby Thomas, and Sha’Carri Richardson helped Team USA take home gold in 4 x 100m relay race.