"Once a wildcat, always a wildcat"- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone pens heartfelt note after being inducted into the hall of fame at University of Kentucky

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was honored to be inducted into the Hall of Fame at the University of Kentucky. The American recently concluded a victorious campaign at the Paris Olympics by winning two gold medals and successfully defending her Olympic title in the women's 400m hurdles.

McLaughlin-Levrone returned to the University of Kentucky to receive the special honor for her exemplary performances over the years as a track athlete, which included breaking the women's 400m hurdles world record six times and being a pioneer of pushing the limit over the quarter-mile hurdles event.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone had enrolled in the University of Kentucky as a part of their track and field program and set the junior world record in the women's 400m with a performance of 50.36s in 2018. However, after spending a year at the University, she decided to forgo her NCAA eligibility and turn pro in June 2018 after signing a sponsorship deal with New Balance.

The 25-year-old took to Instagram to express her gratitude for receiving the special honor.

"Once a wildcat, always a wildcat! 💙😊Beyond grateful to have been inducted into the 2024 class of the University of Kentucky Hall of Fame. Definitely bled blue while I was here, so much growth and adversity that led me to where I am now. Thank you to the UK fan base for always showing such love and treating me like family. 🫶🏽 much love! Go cats. ✨," she wrote.

Furthermore, she thanked Wildcat fans for their unwavering support throughout the years, even after she decided to become a professional after a year at the University.

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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on her experience at the University of Kentucky

The Olympic Games-Paris 2024 - Source: Getty

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone spoke about her time at the University of Kentucky in a speech during her induction into the Hall of Fame. The American athlete shed light on the hardships that she faced and credited them for shaping her into the person that she is today.

"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. But I wouldn't change it for the world, honestly. I would not be the woman that I am had I not attended UK. With only one year under my belt, I may not have a degree, sorry mom. I learned more than I ever could have imagined." she said.

Furthermore, she thanked her coaches, counsellors, and teammates for being a part of her journey at the University of Kentucky.