Mercy Oketch Reveals Secret to Closing Gap on Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Kenya’s 400m national record holder Mercy Oketch has shared her ambitions of reaching the level of 400m hurdles world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

Alongside Mary Moraa, Mercy Oketch revealed that she draws inspiration from Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, whom she considers a benchmark in the sport.

Speaking to Sport On, the rising Kenyan star believes she has the talent and determination needed to match the achievements of the world-class American athlete as her career continues to grow.

Mercy Oketch’s most recent encounter against Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Competing in the same heat of the 400m, Mercy Oketch quietly studied the technique Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone used to obliterate strong fields.

In the race, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone claimed the win in a time of 49.41 seconds ahead of Martina Weil, who came in second in 50.61 seconds. Mercy Oketch rounded up the podium in 50.76.

Mercy Oketch pointed out that in the race, she felt composed and competitive throughout the contest without being overwhelmed by the pace.

She noted that the main difference between them was Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s quicker stride rhythm, but insisted that bridging that gap is achievable through focused preparation and disciplined training rather than talent alone.

Mercy Oketch added that success at the highest level, in her view, comes down to self-belief, mental strength, and consistent hard work, expressing confidence that with the right mindset and development, she can eventually reach the same elite standard.

“According to how she ran and how I ran with her, I didn’t feel like I had strained or struggled, but I ran really well. I don’t think it is hard; it’s just a matter of training,” Mercy Oketch said.

“The only difference between her running style and mine was the leg turnover; hers was way faster. You need to have confidence and train very hard. You need to have a strong mindset that you can do it, and that rhythm will just find you.”

Mercy Oketch further expressed confidence that breaking the 50-second barrier in the 400m at the Kip Keino Classic is achievable, saying she feels physically strong and in good condition heading into competition.

She indicated that her preparation has remained consistent, noting that she has not made significant changes to her training routine.

“It’s possible. My body is okay…I’m feeling good. I haven’t changed anything in training. When I’m in Kenya, I train on an outdoor track,” she said.

Mercy Oketch’s personal best time stands at 50.14 seconds, a time she clocked at the 2025 edition of the Kip Keino Classic.