## McLaughlin-Levrone Switches Gears, Lyles Aims for History at 2025 USATF Championships

**Eugene, Oregon - July 31st through August 3rd:** The nation's top track and field athletes will descend upon Hayward Field this week for the highly anticipated 2025 U.S. Track & Field Outdoor and Para National Championships.  Live coverage of the event will be available across NBC Sports, Peacock, and USATF.TV.

**McLaughlin-Levrone's New Challenge:**

Two-time reigning Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is making a bold move at this year's championships. The four-time Olympic champion will focus solely on the 400m flat, skipping her signature 400m hurdles event. 

McLaughlin-Levrone has already dominated the 400m this season, winning all three races she's entered, including a victory at the Prefontaine Classic in July with a season's best time.  Her current streak stands at nine consecutive wins dating back to 2023. The last time she competed in the 400m at a U.S. championships was in 2023, where she secured victory with a time of 48.74 seconds - just .04 seconds shy of Sanya Richard-Ross's American record (48.70) set in 2006.

**Lyles on the Hunt for History:**

Six-time world champion Noah Lyles is aiming to etch his name further into track and field history at this year's championships. He'll be seeking a record-tying third consecutive U.S. title in the 200m.


 **Coverage Schedule:**
*  **Thursday, July 31st**: 1:30 p.m.-12:10 a.m. ET - USATF.TV
*  **Friday, August 1st**: 2-10:45 p.m. ET - USATF.TV
*  **Saturday, August 2nd**: 9:30 a.m.-9 p.m. ET - USATF.TV; 4-6 p.m. ET - NBC, Peacock; 4-7 p.m. ET - Peacock
*  **Sunday, August 3rd**: 2:30-6 p.m. ET - USATF.TV; 4-6 p.m. ET - NBC, Peacock

 **For complete competition schedules and entry lists, click here.**




## McLaughlin-Levrone Switches Gears, Lyles Aims for History at 2025 USATF Championships

**Eugene, Oregon - July 31st through August 3rd:** The nation's top tr

How to watch Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone at 2025 USATF Champio

How to watch Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone at 2025 USATF Championships: TV schedule, live stream info

## From Cave to Ring: Olivia Ford's Path to Boxing Glory

**Local boxer fights her way to national championships, inspired by Iron Man and a coach who sees her potential.**

Olivia Ford always felt a connection with Iron Man. While Tony Stark's wealth is undeniable, it's his human vulnerability and relentless drive that resonates with Ford. "He built the suit all by himself," she says, referencing Stark's iconic origin story in the 2008 film "Iron Man." Like Stark, Ford built her boxing career from scratch, relying on determination and a singular focus.

Her journey began four years ago at the Irish Boxing Club, where volunteer coach Shawn McFadden noticed something special in Ford –  a raw talent masked by shyness and insecurities. He saw a fire in her eyes, a "tiger," as he calls it. 

McFadden's own past experiences – growing up in boys' homes and lockups – allowed him to connect with Ford on a deeper level. Recognizing her potential for greatness, he challenged her, pushing her beyond her comfort zone with grueling training sessions and unwavering support.

Ford responded to his guidance, displaying an impressive resilience and a thirst for knowledge. Her dedication extended beyond the ring, using boxing as a form of therapy to confront personal struggles and channel her emotions into constructive outlets. 

**Building Their Own Path**

In May 2022, Ford and McFadden parted ways with the Irish Boxing Club, choosing to forge their own path.  They trained outdoors, relentlessly pushing themselves, before deciding to build their own ring at McFadden's home in Madison Twp. They named it Cerberus Boxing, a testament to their commitment and shared vision.

Their journey wasn't without obstacles. Financing national tournaments became a challenge, prompting them to launch a GoFundMe campaign that resonated with friends, family, and supporters who believed in their story. 

McFadden eventually transformed Cerberus into a non-profit organization, allowing donors to receive tax benefits and giving back to those who helped them achieve their goals.


**A National Champion Emerges**

Ford's talent quickly blossomed. She dominated the regional boxing scene, defeating opponents from Pennsylvania, New England, and even upstate New York.  Her determination led her to national championships, culminating in her recent victory at the USA Boxing Women’s Championships in Toledo, Ohio.


 **Looking Ahead: Olympic Dreams**

Ford's future is bright. She aspires to represent her country on the world stage at the 2028 Olympics. Currently ranked fifth in the nation at 165 pounds, she plans to compete in prestigious tournaments leading up to the trials, showcasing her skills and proving that she deserves a spot on the Olympic team.

Her journey is an inspiring testament to hard work, perseverance, and the power of human connection.  Just like Tony Stark, Olivia Ford defies expectations and inspires others with her unwavering determination to achieve greatness.


**A Film About Triumph**

Ford's story has captured the attention of filmmakers John Messina and Frank Scuderi. Messina, known for his Amazon Prime series "Fight Story," is creating a documentary that highlights Ford's journey, while Scuderi, a Food Network personality, is collaborating with Messina on the project. The film, titled "Rise," promises to capture the emotional highs and lows of Ford's journey, showcasing her resilience and determination in the face of adversity.



 **Olivia Ford: A Boxer With a Heart of Gold**

Ford's achievements extend beyond the boxing ring. She plans to pursue a degree in psychology at Marywood University next month, hoping to help others through their own challenges using her experiences as a guide.  


As Ford continues to climb the ranks of the boxing world, she remains grounded by her values and driven by a desire to make a difference. Her story is one of hope, resilience, and the unwavering belief in oneself – a true inspiration for anyone who dares to dream big. 


## From Cave to Ring: Olivia Ford's Path to Boxing Glory

**Local boxer fights her way to national championships, inspired by Iron Man and a coach who sees her 

BUILT FORD TOUGH: Western Wayne grad forges career through s

BUILT FORD TOUGH: Western Wayne grad forges career through sheer will

## Martens Claims Gold in Heart-Stopping Finish at Men's 400m Freestyle

**Singapore -** German swimmer Lukas Martens edged out Australia's Sam Short for gold in the men's 400m freestyle final at the 2025 World Swimming Championships. 

Martens touched the wall in a blistering 3:42.35, just 0.02 seconds ahead of Short's impressive time of 3:42.37. South Korea's Kim Woo-Min secured bronze with a time of 3:42.60.

**Catch All the Action on Peacock**

The World Swimming Championships continue through August 3rd, airing live on Peacock.  For full schedule details and event previews, visit [link to website].




## Martens Claims Gold in Heart-Stopping Finish at Men's 400m Freestyle

**Singapore -** German swimmer Lukas Martens edged out Australia's Sam Short for gold i

2025 World Swimming Championships Results

## McIntosh Makes a Splash: Olympic Star Opens Worlds with Freestyle Victory

**Canadian teenager sets sights on record-tying five gold medals.**

Canadian Summer McIntosh has kicked off her bid for history at the World Swimming Championships, claiming victory in the women's 400m freestyle. The 18-year-old Olympic champion clocked a time of 3 minutes, 56.26 seconds, outpacing China's Li Bingjie by a comfortable 1.95 seconds. American Katie Ledecky secured bronze.  

This win marks McIntosh's first gold medal at these championships and serves as a strong opening statement in her pursuit of a record-tying five individual gold medals – a feat previously achieved only by Michael Phelps.   

McIntosh, who claimed three golds at the 2024 Olympics, holds the world record in the 400m freestyle, having set it last month at 3:54.18. While she missed out on gold in this event at the Paris Games, finishing second behind Ariarne Titmus and ahead of Ledecky, she is now determined to dominate in Fukuoka.

**Four More Golds in Sight:**

With four individual events remaining – the 200m and 400m individual medleys, the 200m butterfly, and the 800m free – McIntosh has her sights set on a historic performance. The 800m freestyle is particularly anticipated as it will see McIntosh go head-to-head with four-time Olympic gold medalist Katie Ledecky.

**Men's 400m Freestyle Crowned:**

In the men's competition, German Lukas Martens took home the gold in a thrilling race, finishing just two hundredths ahead of Australian Sam Short with a time of 3:42.35. Martens, who also won gold at the Paris Olympics, previously broke the world record in the event in April with a time of 3:39.96.

**US Swimmer Withdrawals:**

Meanwhile, American swimmers Torri Huske and Claire Weinstein withdrew from their respective events – the 100m butterfly and 400m freestyle – due to illness stemming from a pre-worlds training camp in Thailand. A majority of the US swimming team was affected by acute gastroenteritis. Huske can still compete in other events, including the 50m and 100m frees, plus relays.

**World Championships Continue:**

The World Swimming Championships continue throughout the week with preliminary heats at 10 p.m. ET and finals at 7 a.m., live on Peacock. Monday's finals are expected to feature world record holders McIntosh in the 200m IM and Gretchen Walsh in the women's 100m fly.





## McIntosh Makes a Splash: Olympic Star Opens Worlds with Freestyle Victory

**Canadian teenager sets sights on record-tying five gold medals.**

Canadian Summ

#Olympics

How to watch Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone at 2025 USATF Championships: TV schedule, live stream info

BUILT FORD TOUGH: Western Wayne grad forges career through sheer will

2025 World Swimming Championships Results

Summer McIntosh wins 400m freestyle to open swimming worlds drive for five