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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has attributed her track success to her coach Edrick Floreal, the University of Kentucky's head coach at the time. She expressed her gratitude during her induction into the university's Hall of Fame.
McLaughlin-Levrone is one of University of Kentucky's most decorated athletes, having won three world titles and being the current world record holder in the 400m hurdles. Furthermore, the New Jersey-based runner was the first to break the sub-52 and sub-51 barriers in the 400m hurdles discipline. She further upgraded her Olympic total to four medals after winning two golds in Paris in August.
During her tenure at the University of Kentucky, McLaughlin-Levrone won the 2018 NCAA title in the 400m hurdles event and was crowned the SEC Champion three times in the 400m (indoor), 400m hurdles, and 4x400m relay. In addition, she achieved All-American status five times.
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Following her Paris Olympics success, Sydney McLauglin-Levrone concluded her 2024 season at the Diamond League finals in Brussels. Shortly after, she was inducted into the University of Kentucky's Hall of Fame on Saturday, September 21. During her induction speech, she acknowledged Edrick Floreal's contribution to her career. Floreal was the coach of the facility from 2017-18 before transitioning to the University of Texas in 2018.
"I learned more than I ever could have imagined. IIt was here on this track that I learned for the first time that 50 seconds was possible 400 hurdles," she said. "Thanks to coach Flo and the way he pushed me to where I was on the track seeing jellyfish flying around. That's how hard the workout was," she said (via UK Sports Video).
She further applauded her fellow UK athletes like Kenny Harrison and Omar McLeod for inspiring her to train with the dedication of a professional athlete.
"My year here was hard" - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reflects on her University of Kentucky experience
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone spent one year with the university's track & field program, and reflecting on her time, she said that it was a challenging period. However, she also noted that attending the university shaped her as an athlete.
"My year here was hard, I'm not going to act like it wasn't as it is for many college athletes all over the country," she said. "But I wouldn't change it for the world, honestly. I would not be the woman that I am had I not attended UK."
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone also acknowledged university's support during the Olympics and other competitions.
