The long-awaited release of the 2028 Los Angeles track and field schedule has confirmed a major setback for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, whose ambition of chasing gold in both the 400 meters and 400-meter hurdles is blocked by a tight series of overlapping rounds.

Under the newly published timetable, the women’s 400-meter hurdles begins its preliminary round on the morning of July 18. Just hours later, the women’s 400 meter semifinals take place in the evening session. Two days after that, the hurdles semifinals and the 400-meter final share the same night. The arrangement forces McLaughlin-Levrone –– or any athlete attempting the double –– into racing multiple high-intensity rounds within the same day on two separate occasions. 

The physical demands of the 400-meter hurdles, which combine sprint speed with technical precision over 10 barriers, make it one of the most strenuous events on the Olympic program. Pairing that with a world-class 400-meter sprint leaves virtually no room for recovery, particularly at the medal-round level. 

McLaughlin-Levrone, who has won Olympic gold in the 400-meter hurdles and recently captured global titles in the 400 meters, is one of the sport’s most recognizable U.S. athletes. Her coach, Bob Kersee, when talking to the Orange County Register, has questioned why the schedule reduces opportunities for a homegrown star to compete in multiple events at an American-hosted Games, calling it a missed chance to elevate track and field on one of the largest international stages.

Organizers have emphasized that the overall Olympic calendar is shaped by venue and broadcast logistics. Track and field will lead the Games in week one to accommodate the transformation of SoFi Stadium into the primary swimming venue for week two. That sequencing, they say, limits flexibility in reshuffling track event days.

McLaughlin’s visibility as a dominant Black woman in track -– and her potential to chase multiple medals at home — made the possibility of the double especially meaningful for fans anticipating LA2028.

The NY Post reported that in 1996 for Michael Johnson and in 2016 for Allyson Felix, the schedule was revised so that they could attempt a double in their prospective races. 

While the schedule could still be amended for McLaughlin-Levrone, major changes appear unlikely given the multiyear planning cycle and international coordination required. For now, she is positioned to focus on her signature event, where she remains the world record holder and a leading favorite for gold.