"Track is not as popular as football or basketball"- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone gives an honest opinion on the struggles of a track athlete 

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone spoke about the struggles of being a track athlete as she laid down the differences between their careers as compared to football or basketball players. The American athlete expressed how track and field is on the rise with multiple new events being organized throughout the year so that the sport is not just restricted to the Olympic Games.

McLaughlin-Levrone also shed light on the funding involved in the sport. The 25-year-old expressed how for a track athlete their shoe sponsorship would be the primary source of income while starting off in the professional circuit.

Moreover, athletes have to figure out other aspects of their training for instance, their coaches, physiotherapists, and other professional who would assist them to perform at the top event. On the other hand for basketball or football, such professionals are hired by the team that a particular player is playing in.

"It is a very individual sport compared to football or basketball. Most of your funding is going to come from your shoe sponsorship. For me, that's a new balance and from there, it is really figuring out what your coaching is what your therapy is," she said.

Furthermore, she shed light on how opportunities are different in track and field but was optimistic about the positive growth of the sport in the near future.

"Definitely very regimented. Track is not as popular as football or basketball. So, the funding is very different and some opportunities are very different. It really is for a lot of people just the love for the sport that keeps them doing it. A lot of people just see the Olympics every four years but we have World Championship. we have Diamond League, now we have GST. So, there are races taking place every single year and I do think that track is on the rise."

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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on her decision to sign with New Balance

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone celebrates her gold medal win at the Olympic Games in Paris 2024: Day 15 - Source: Getty

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone spoke about her decision to sign with New Balance in an interview with the 'IT girl podcast'. The American athlete revealed how she was impressed by New Balance's approach as well as long-term vision with respect to her career.

"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? " she said

Moreover, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone had a great relationship with New Balance ever since her high school days as an athlete and she ultimately decided to finalize her shoe deal with the company and build a long-term relationship as she continued her pursuits to achieve greatness.