"Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and I didn't practice at all"- Gabby Thomas opens up on USA's iconic 4x400m relay win at Paris Olympics 

By Adityan Pillai

Modified Aug 15, 2024 04:53 GMT

Gabby Thomas said that she did not have any sort of practice with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone ahead of their 4x400m relay campaign at the Paris Olympics. Both sprinters had memorable outings in the French capital, winning multiple gold medals.

Team USA's women's 4x400m comprised of Shamier Little, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Gabby Thomas, and Alexis Holmes, and the quartet clocked 3:15.27 to win the gold medal with a formidable lead. Shamier Little started the final for the team and as the baton was passed to the other athletes, the lead between the United States and the others was increasing substantially.

The Americans won the race with a lead of over four seconds. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's timing of 47.71 seconds in her leg was the quickest among any athlete in the women's 4x400m relay final.

Femke Bol anchored the Netherlands to the silver medal, with their team clocking a time of 3:19.50, while Great Britain took home the bronze medal with a time of 3:19.72.

Gabby Thomas spoke about the baton exchange between McLaughlin-Levrone and her in an interview with Vogue.

Thomas received the baton from McLaughlin-Levrone, who ran the second leg of the relay and revealed that the two athletes had not practiced the exchange before the finals at the Paris Olympics.

"Fun fact. Sydney and I, for the 4x400m didn't practice at all, we just went out there and won. American record!" she said.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on her Paris Olympics campaign

Athletics - Olympic Games Paris 2024: Day 15 - Source: Getty

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone had a very successful campaign at the Paris Olympics. The American athlete won two gold medals and also clocked the world record in the 400m hurdles thereby successfully defending her title.

She took to Instagram to express her gratitude for her incredible campaign as well as thank the people who supported her through tough times as she embraced Olympic glory once again.

"This post is dedicated to my team. My people. The people who stood with me through it all. All the sweat, blood, tears. The days that almost killed me, and the ones I killed. Every detail. Everyone did their part. Executed their role. Not one variable overlooked. That’s what it takes to get here. That’s what it will take to stay here. Literally could not do it without them. It takes a village. I love you all! We did it. To all those not pictured, we love you!" she added.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone etched her name in history for successfully defending her 400m hurdles title as well as creating a new world record for the sixth time in three years.