"Be the first me"- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once shed light on decision to choose $1.5 Million New Balance deal amid offers from other major brands

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone spoke about her decision to go forward with a $1.5 Million New Balance deal amid offers from other major brands back when she was only 19. The American athlete revealed how New Balance encouraged her to build her personal brand instead of following the footsteps of other great athletes who were already established.

Furthermore, considering their association right from her high school days when New Balance would sponsor her school team's uniform, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone felt that the partnership was for the long run as she embarked on her pursuit to achieve greatness as a track athlete. After signing a sponsorship deal with New Balance in 2018, she forfeited her NCAA eligibility to turn pro after spending one year at the University of Kentucky.

She appeared on 'The It Girls' podcast co-hosted by Maddie Berezowitz & Azhani Tealer in 2023 and spoke about her decision to accept the $1.5 Million deal offered by New Balance as a 19-year-old.

"I just turned 19 years old and I am now sitting in front of all these shoe companies and them offering me money and offering me endorsements and I'm just like excited for all the free stuff. In my mind, I am not thinking about the long-term partnership, who's going to be the best for XYZ and that's why I think your support system is so important because I had parents who kept me grounded," she said.

"Without naming the companies, A lot of them were selling the dream that you are going to be the next XYZ. I felt that New Balance wanted me to be the first Sydney, be the first me and how can we do that? How can we build your brand and how can we partner with you in what you want to do? They have always been there for me since high school, giving my team uniforms and inviting us places, I knew that this was going to be a family partnership in the long run in terms of whether I'm losing or winning they are still going to be there," she added.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on training in New Balance apparel and gear

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone at the Wanda Diamond League 2024 Final (Image Source: Getty)

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone opened up about training in New Balance apparel and gear as he continued her pursuits of breaking records in the track world. Speaking about the lightweight shoes as well as specially catered spikes, she said:

“I love training in something that feels like a cloud but still is going to let me go the distance. The Rebel was the perfect silhouette for that. Also, they’re modern, they’re elevated and they’re trending with where fashion is going."

"And the spikes, it’s one of their newer models — very sleek, very light. That’s how I like my spikes, to feel like there’s nothing on my feet,” she added.

Furthermore, the athlete opened up about liking the casual wear collection of the brand that she wore when away from the track.