Sydney Mclaughlin was born on August 7, 1999, in New Brunswick, New Jersey is an accomplished track and field athlete. She is an Olympic gold medalist, setting a world record in the 400m hurdles. Sydney won gold in the 400m hurdles and the 4×400m relay at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and has multiple World Championship titles. Coached by Bob Kersee, she has a personal best of 50.65 in the 400m hurdles. McLaughlin-Levrone is sponsored by New Balance and was a standout at the University of Kentucky. Her father, Willie McLaughlin, was a member of the Manhattan College Athletic Hall of Fame as a three-time All-American and a semi-finalist in the 400 meters at the 1984 Olympic Trials.
Her mother, Mary Neumeister McLaughlin, was a talented half-miler who ran on the boys' team at Cardinal O'Hara High School in Tonawanda, New York. Sydney's family relocated to Dunellen, New Jersey, where she took up running at an early age, following in the footsteps of her older siblings, Taylor and Morgan. Sydney started her journey in high school, attending Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains.
Also Read: Sydney Mclaughlin Ethnicity
High School
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone attended Union Catholic Regional High School in Scotch Plains. This is where her career began to bloom. Sydney had been engaged in swimming right from the time of high school.
Year | Accomplishment |
2014 |
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2015 |
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2016 |
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2017 |
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Turning Pro
After her high school career, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone took her talents to the University of Kentucky. While her time as a college athlete was brief, she left an indelible mark on the sport.
In her freshman year at the 2018 NCAA Division I Championships, Sydney won the 400m hurdles with a time of 53.96s, cementing her status as one of the most promising young athletes in the world. Later that year, she announced her decision to turn professional, signing with New Balance.
Professional Dominance and Olympic Glory
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's transition to professional athletics was impressive, and her ascent to the top was meteoric. In 2019, she won silver in the 400m hurdles at the World Championships in Doha with a time of 52.23s, setting the stage for her Olympic debut in Tokyo.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone won a gold medal in the 400m hurdles with a world-record time of 51.46s. Not only did she shatter the previous world record, but she also became the first woman to run the event in under 52 seconds.
Her dominance continued in 2022, as she claimed the gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon, setting a new world record of 50.68s.
In 2023, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone did it again, undoubtedly becoming one of the greatest athletes of all time by breaking the world record in the 400m with a time of 48.74s at the USATF Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
Year | Competition | Position | Event | Time (s) |
2019 | World Championships | 2nd | 400m hurdles | 52.23 |
2021 | Olympic Games | 1st | 400m hurdles | 51.46 (WR) |
2022 | World Championship | 1st | 400m hurdles | 50.68 (WR) |
2023 | USATF Championships | 1st | 400m | 48.74 (WL, MR) |
Conclusion
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's journey from a high school athlete to an Olympic success, world record holder, and one of the greatest athletes of all time is nothing short of remarkable. Her achievements have inspired countless aspiring athletes.
Know More : Sydney McLaughlin family
FAQ's On Sydney Mclaughlin-Levrone High School
A. While McLaughlin-Levrone has the better 400m hurdles time currently, Bol's rapid progression sets up an eagerly awaited clash at the Paris Olympics.
A. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is the reigning Olympic and World champion in the 400m hurdles, having set a world record of 50.68 seconds.
A. Sydney McLaughlin made her Olympic debut at just 17 years old in the 2016 Rio Olympics.
A. McLaughlin turned professional in 2018 after her freshman year at the University of Kentucky, signing with New Balance.