Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is “box office”, according to World Athletics chief Sebastian Coe, but so rarely did the American compete until recently that she resembled the late, reclusive Swedish film legend Greta Garbo.

The 26-year-old admits she organises her season around championships, although this year she did take part in the Grand Slam Track meetings.

It is hard to argue with her decision to race sparingly when once again she delivered on the global stage on Thursday in Tokyo.

She came so close to erasing one of the oldest records in the books — Marita Koch’s 400 metres mark of 47.60sec, set four decades ago in 1985.

McLaughlin-Levrone blasted through the rain, clocking 47.78sec, easily the second fastest time in history.

She already owns the 400 metres hurdles world record, whi

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