Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reacts to heartfelt note from teammate Morolake Akinosun expressing gratitude for being an inspiration to her

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has reacted to being thanked by former Olympic champion Morolake Akinosun. Akinosun, who won gold as part of the USA 4x100m relay team at Rio 2016, recently announced her retirement from athletics.

In a post on social media, Akinosun thanked some of her former teammates, including McLaughlin-Levrone, for their support.

Akinosun highlighted McLaughlin-Levrone's role in her career as she wrote,

"Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone - you are one of the most gentle + humble souls I've ever had the pleasure of knowing and calling friend. It was an honor and inspiration to watch you hone your craft up close."

The 400m hurdles Olympic champion Mclaughlin-Levrone commented on Akinosun's post, saying,

"Legit Love You [Emojis]"

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's comment on Morolake Akinosun's post [Image Source: Instagram@msfasttwitch]

Akinosun had also thanked fellow teammate and Olympic champion Gabby Thomas for her support. She also mentioned athletes like Ashley Spencer and Teahna Daniels for their support throughout her career.

Akinosun represented the USA and her university team of Texas Longhorns. She was part of the women's 4x100m relay team that won the Olympic gold medal at the Rio Olympics in 2016, the same Games where McLaughlin-Levrone made her Olympic debut.

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Femke Bol, other Olympians on Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Morolake Akinosun is not the only athlete who has praised Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone.

A few days before the Paris Olympics commenced, Femke Bol of the Netherlands had said,

"We're friendly, and we're with the same sponsor. We both realize that the 400 m hurdles is not an easy event, and I have a lot of respect for her. I know how committed and hard working she is. We don't see each other a lot, but we'll see each other in Paris."

Gabby Thomas and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone after winning the women's 4x400m relay at the Paris Olympics 2024 [Image Source: Getty]

Meanwhile, silver medalist in the women's 100m, Sha'Carri Richardson shared that she admired McLaughlin-Levrone for her faith.

Richardson said,

"If I had to pick any, any Olympian in all honesty. I will honestly, honestly say Sydney [McLaughlin-Levrone], My favorite thing about her is her faith. Faith is something that I admire even in myself and continue to grow in. I admire that her resilience, her determination and her faith in everything that she believes is something that drives her no matter what."

McLaughlin-Levrone in turn praised Richardson for her efforts against all odds, saying,

"Sha’Carri, I know there were some issues going on, but she still went out there and did her thing."

McLaughlin-Levrone improved her world record in the 400m hurdles to win the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024. Also, she teamed up with Thomas, Shamier Little, and Alexis Holmes to bring the USA their eighth consecutive Olympic gold medal in the women's 4x400m relay event. She will now compete at the Wanda Diamond League finals in Brussels on September 13 and 14.