Sydney’s Rivals Just Stormed Stockholm

^{June 16, 2025 | Edition #143}

👋 Hey, Speedsters!

World Record. Meet Records. The 2025 Wanda Diamond League meet in Stockholm this Sunday was a wild ride! However, our top picks are: how Sydney's rivals got faster in the 400m hurdles, we have a new second fastest 100m woman for this season, and a field star shattered his World Record, once again! So don't miss this edition, as it's full of track and field action!

🌟 Track Stories

Sydney’s Rivals Had a Show-Stopping Weekend!

While Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was miles away, two of her biggest rivals had a heart-throbbing battle yesterday at the Olympiastadion, Stockholm. Yeah, Femke Bol and Dalilah Muhammad lined up for the 400m Hurdles at the Diamond League on Sunday. And in less than a minute, they showed us what they’re capable of...

Femke Bol ran the 6th fastest 400m hurdles race of her career, clocking 52.11s for gold, and shaved 0.16 seconds off her own meet record at Stockholm! Whereas Dalilah won silver with an amazing 52.91s. And and and…She took down the World Age 35+ Masters Record of 52.94s set by Mariana Stepanova. Watch Bol and Dalilah storm down the 400m hurdles here! 

However, there is something even more important to note…The 400m hurdles field is getting faster! While Bol came 0.04 seconds close to Sydney’s 2025 world lead time, Dalilah ran her fastest race in the last four years, proving that age is just a number. Also, she agreed that the 400m hurdles are reaching a new level…

"Man, it's just so crazy. The NCAAs just this past week, a girl ran a 52.4, breaking Sydney’s collegiate record. It's just so amazing where the event has gone." Well, we hear you, Dalilah! And the NCAA athlete she is talking about is Savannah Sutherland, a 21-year-old who smashed the 400 mH at the NCAA Champs. Here’s how Savannah took down McLaughlin’s 52.75 collegiate record. So yes, Sydney, better watch your back!

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📈 Trending News

Julien Took Over The 1994 Record in Stockholm

Julien Alfred just can’t stop proving why she's the reigning Olympic champ…after all, just 3 days ago, she opened her 100m season with a thunderous win at the Oslo DL. But when Stockholm rolled around, she pulled up her socks even tighter. Yesterday, Julien Alfred flew out of the 100m blocks with Dina Asher Smith neck-to-neck with her till around 50m. But once, the St. Lucian entered blast mode, none could stop her from crossing the line first with 10.75s.....Watch how Alfred just became the #2 fastest woman this year!

But wait, this wasn’t just any other win! That's because she shattered a meet record that had stood like a fortress since 1994, set by Irina Privalova, who clocked 10.90s. Yes, for 31 years, that time stood untouched… but Alfred demolished it!  And do you know what makes it more iconic? 

It’s Alfred’s long-time connection with Irina Privalova! For years, she has been chasing Irina’s 60m world record, which has stood since 1993, aka 32 years. In fact, in 2023, Alfred came within 0.02 seconds of snatching it, but failed! However, Julien declared, “I do want to go after that world record, and I know someday I will get it.” While Alfred hasn’t caught the 60m crown yet, she has now at least taken down another record by Irina. And most importantly, Julien Alfred is letting the world know she isn’t done creating history.

Watch: How Julien Alfred Cruised to Her First 100m Season Win Just 3 Days Ago!

📰 Top Stories of Today

🤯 Julien Alfred’s next race will see Paris Olympics rivals go against each other - Full Story

🙃 Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Coach has made a sad confession over Grand Slam Track’s collapse - Full Story

🤔 Sha’Carri and Coleman received a well-earned apology after the teen's disrespect - Full Story 

🙌 The NCAA athlete who broke a 35-year-old record in the semis, lost the finals, and made a shocking confession after it - Full Story

😲 Rai Benjamin gets his revenge as World Record holder left stunned - Full Story

See what else is trending in the world of track & field - Click Here

🎖️Beyond the Medals

Mondo & Tara Put on a Masterclass At DL

Every time Mondo Duplantis shows up for a pole vault, it seems a new world record is about to be created. And yesterday in Stockholm, the conditions were perfect: Warm temperatures, a packed stadium, and the home soil! Thus, as soon as Mondo took his run-up for his first attempt of the day, he soared to a massive 6.28m jump. And that right there was his 12th World Record! Here, watch how Mondo was half a meter higher than everyone else!

And Mondo's reaction? Eyes wide, mouth open! Well, why not? After all, he ticked off something major from his bucket list. "I feel like the only thing I’m missing is to break the record here at Stockholm Stadium," Mondo said on Saturday night. And Sunday morning, the world saw it come true! He had attempted to make a home soil world record 2 months ago at the Mondo Classic, but fate didn’t favor him then. However, yesterday felt different! Also, Mondo wasn’t the only one to put the spotlight on the field events…

Tara Davis-Woodhall, who competed in her first DL at Stockholm, also made the field events at the Bauhaus Galan DL worth watching, by jumping 7.05m! And while doing so, she matched the 36-year-old meeting record of 7.05m set by Galina Chistyakova... Moreover, her jump is now the world number 3 this season, and has helped her register her second DL win ever. And her season best so far! So clearly, it’s not like the track events stole the whole show, as field stars left their mark, too.

Watch: Tara Davis’ Gold Winning Jump at Stockholm!

📊 POLL OF THE DAY

With Julien Alfred surging and Melissa Jefferson the woman to beat, all eyes are on Prefontaine, where the two will go head-to-head, joined by Sha’Carri Richardson, who'll be making only her second appearance of the season in this high-stakes 100m clash.

Last Poll Result: We asked you, “Was Noah Lyles Right From the Start About Grand Slam Track?” Well, the question still hangs in the air, as it was a 50-50. And honestly, until GST makes a move, we cannot say if Noah Lyles was right all along or not!

That’s it for today, folks! We’ll look to knock on your inbox soon with more interesting stories!

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