"Debate is great for the sport" - Michael Johnson reacts as fans remain conflicted as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone wins Female Track Athlete of the Year

Michael Johnson recently weighed in on the ongoing debate surrounding Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's win as Female Track Athlete of the Year. The legendary sprinter stated that such debates are beneficial for the sport.

After contending with Julien Alfred as one of the nominees for the World Athletics Female Track Athlete of the Year Award, McLaughlin-Levrone was honored with the same. The American sprinter defended her 400m hurdles title by breaking her previous record and the event's record for the sixth time.

She defeated fellow teammate Anna Cockrell and her fiercest rival, Femke Bol, to clinch the win with 50.37 seconds in the French capital. Further, the 25-year-old athlete also contributed to the team's victory in the women's 4x400m relay event.

She ran the fastest second leg of the relay, clocking 47.71 seconds, clinching a substantial lead for the team. However, following her recent achievement, fans were divided, with some praising her achievement while others questioned her limited appearances at the competitions.

The former American track and field athlete Johnson believed it was valuable to gain attention for the sport and stated that disagreement over the award selections makes the sport more exciting and engaging.

"If everyone agreed on all the selections for track & field athlete of the year awards, that would be boring as hell," Johnson wrote. "The outrage and debate is great for the sport."

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Michael Johnson highlights why Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone limits her participation in competitions

Michael Johnson commenting for the BBC at the World Athletics Championships at Hayward Field stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo via Getty Images)

Michael Johnson recently revealed the reason for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's limited participation in the competitions.

McLaughlin-Levrone hasn't lost a single race since she competed at the 2019 World Championships, where she was placed second. The American also pulled back from competing at the 2023 World Athletics Championships after enduring an injury.

Moreover, the two-time Olympian hasn't competed in her preferred event in the Diamond League since 2021. Highlighting the limited participation by the sprinter, Johnson reflected on her mentality and approach, where she prefers quality over quantity. Johnson believes that the sprinter's decision is a result of an issue with the sport rather than herself.

"What Sydney represents is the issue with the sport. When I asked why she doesn't race much she said she likes to race but, when she does, she wants it to mean something." (via BBC.com)

McLaughlin-Levrone was the first athlete signed by Michael Johnson for the Grand Slam Track series, the debut edition of which will be held from April to June 2025.