Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, born on August 7, 1999, is an American hurdler and sprinter, excelling in the 400-meter hurdles. Notably, she achieved the 2020 Tokyo Olympic gold with a Games record and the 2022 World Championship title, setting a world record at 50.68 seconds. Her exceptional achievements include being the first woman to break the 52-second and 51-second barriers in the 400m hurdles, setting multiple world records within a short span.
From a young age, McLaughlin showed promise, winning the 2015 World Youth Championship at 15. In 2016, she became the youngest athlete since 1980 to qualify for the U.S. Olympic track team, setting a world U20 record in the 400m hurdles. She continued her success, securing the 2019 Diamond League championship and earning accolades like the Gatorade National Female Athlete of the Year.
McLaughlin turned professional in 2018, signing with New Balance for an estimated $1.5 million annual base pay. Coached by Bob Kersee, she continued to dominate the 400m hurdles. In the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, McLaughlin broke the world record with a time of 51.46 seconds, claiming the gold. She further improved her own record to 50.68 seconds at the 2022 World Championships.
Expanding her repertoire, McLaughlin showcased her speed in the 400 meters as a professional, clocking impressive times. Notably, in June 2023, she ran 49.71 seconds in Paris and later recorded 48.74 seconds at the USATF Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Unfortunately, a knee injury led to her withdrawal from the 2023 World Athletics Championships. Sydney has competed in the 2024 Summer Olympics and has won the gold medal in the Women's 400m Hurdles.
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Who are Sydney Mclaughlin’s Parents?
Sydney McLaughlin's parents are Willie McLaughlin and Mary Neumeister McLaughlin. The couple settled in Dunellen, New Jersey. Inspired by her older brother Taylor, Sydney ventured into sports. She also has a sister Morgan and a younger brother Ryan. Her older brother Taylor is a silver medalist in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships. Both Sydney and Taylor qualified for the 2016 US Olympic team. Younger brother Ryan continued the family's track success, winning a New Jersey county track title and standing out at Union Catholic.
Who is Sydney Mclaughlin’s Mother?
Mary Neumeister McLaughlin, the mother of Sydney ran a half-mile time of 2:12 at Cardinal O'Hara High School. She joined the men's track team at Manhattan College, where she met Willie. Marry has always encouraged her kids to pursue their career in sports.
Who is Sydney Mclaughlin’s Father?
Willie McLaughlin, Sydney McLaughlin's father, had a remarkable athletic career as a former track and field athlete and basketball player. Achieving All-American status in the 400-meter hurdles during his junior year at Rider University, Willie showcased his versatility by being one of the five finalists for the "Male Athlete of the Year" award from Sports Illustrated Magazine in 1987 while excelling in college basketball.
Known for his academic prowess, Willie was selected as a District One Academic All-American in 1984 and 1985 while actively participating on the collegiate track team. His contributions to sports earned him a well-deserved induction into the Rider University Hall of Fame in 2003. At just 21 years old, Willie McLaughlin made a significant mark in track and field, becoming the fifth-fastest time holder for the 400-meter hurdles in the world in 1981 with an impressive time of 48.69 seconds at a meet held at Princeton University, New Jersey.
He proudly represented the United States as a member of the National Track Team, competing in the Pan Am Games that same year. Willie's achievements included ranking #2 in the US in the 400-meter hurdles during his senior year at Rider University, where he became only the second athlete to break the 50-second barrier. His personal best of 48.69 seconds in 1981 remains a testament to his exceptional talent in the 400-meter hurdles.
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What Nationality are Sydney Mclaughlin’s Parents?
Sydney McLaughlin's parents Willie McLaughlin and Mary Neumeister McLaughlin are both American. Sydney McLaughlin is a part of the African-American community.
FAQ on Sydney Mclaughlin Parents
A. Sydney McLaughlin is 1.75 m tall and weighs 60 kg.
A. Sydney McLaughlin is married to Andre Levrone Jr.
A. Bobby Kersee is the coach of Sydney McLaughlin since 2020.
A. Sydney McLaughlin won the gold medal in women's 400m hurdles in the 2024 Summer Olympics with a world record time of 50.37 seconds.
A. Sydney McLaughlin broke the world record of 400m hurdle 6 times, as of 2024 she has made the world record of 50.37 seconds in the Paris Olympics winning the gold medal.