The women’s 400 metres at the World Athletics Championships has always been a showcase of strength, endurance, and grace under pressure. From the blistering finishes of Phyllis Francis to the dominance of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, each edition tells a unique story of excellence, determination, and national pride. Between 2017 and 2025, five incredible champions have defined an era of quarter-mile greatness — each with her own journey and unforgettable moment on the world stage.
2017 – Phyllis Francis 🇺🇸
In London, the world witnessed one of the most dramatic 400m finals in World Championships history. Phyllis Francis of the United States stormed down the home straight to snatch gold in 49.92 seconds, pulling off a major upset. She outpaced Olympic champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo and American teammate Allyson Felix, both of whom were favorites heading into the final. What made Francis’s win special wasn’t just the time — it was her fearless composure and perfect execution under immense pressure. That night, she etched her name among the world’s best and gave the U.S. another reason to celebrate its rich sprinting tradition.
2019 – Salwa Eid Naser 🇧🇭
Two years later in Doha, Salwa Eid Naser from Bahrain stunned the world with one of the greatest 400m performances in history. Running from lane six, Naser blazed to a sensational 48.14 seconds, the third-fastest time ever recorded. Her fearless start and unmatched drive down the backstretch left the rest of the field trailing in disbelief. The performance was electric — a perfect mix of power, rhythm, and control. Though her career later faced controversies, that Doha masterpiece remains one of the most technically brilliant one-lap runs ever seen, securing her place in championship history.
2022 – Shaunae Miller-Uibo 🇧🇸
After years of near misses and silver medals at the Worlds, Shaunae Miller-Uibo of the Bahamas finally claimed the global crown in Eugene. The two-time Olympic champion had long been the queen of the 400m, but the World Championships gold had eluded her — until 2022. In her trademark tall, fluid stride, Miller-Uibo dominated the race, clocking 49.11 seconds and finishing far ahead of the field. It was a career-defining moment for the Bahamian star, who had consistently embodied grace, class, and dominance over the distance for nearly a decade.
2023 – Marileidy Paulino 🇩🇴
In Budapest, the spotlight shone brightly on Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic. After years of steady progress — including Olympic and World silver medals — Paulino finally reached the pinnacle, winning gold in 48.76 seconds, a national record. Her triumph was historic: she became the first Dominican woman to win a World Championships gold in the 400m. Paulino’s story of perseverance, humility, and quiet strength inspired fans across Latin America and the Caribbean, marking her as one of the sport’s modern icons.
2025 – Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone 🇺🇸
Now in 2025, the world witnesses a new era led by Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone — the American superstar who has already rewritten records in the 400m hurdles. Transitioning to the flat 400m, Sydney’s victory symbolizes versatility and dominance beyond barriers. Her precision, technique, and mental poise make her the definition of modern athletic excellence. With every stride, she carries the legacy of past champions while ushering in a new generation of speed and grace.
From Francis to McLaughlin-Levrone, this golden run of champions tells the story of evolution — of women who dared to chase perfection, who conquered the lap with courage, and who continue to redefine what greatness means in track and field.
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