Sydney McLaughlin turns 24: A Olympic champion’s amazing journey

Sydney McLaughlin's road to Olympic gold at the young age of 24 is nothing short of an incredible feat. McLaughlin has continuously challenged herself to be better, starting with her early years as a gifted high school athlete and continuing  as a college athlete at the University of Kentucky. She set world records and took home Gold at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2019 World Championships, demonstrating  her perseverance and hard work. Young athletes all over the world are inspired by McLaughlin's tale. 

Sydney McLaughlin showed tremendous talent and potential from an early age, breaking onto the track and field scene. Through her outstanding results in a variety of competitions during her high school years, she attracted attention. After graduating from high school, McLaughlin enrolled at the University of Kentucky, where she continued to perform admirably in the sprints. In the 400-meter hurdles, one of her signature events, she raced while still in college and achieved numerous records and personal bests.

At the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, McLaughlin, then just 17 years old, made her Olympic debut. She competed in the 400-meter hurdles final, but she was only able to reach the semifinals. Aftercollege, McLaughlin transitioned to the professional world  working consistently to raise her performance standards. She started working with renowned coach Bob Kersee, the trainer of many accomplished athletes.

During the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, McLaughlin experienced one of  her career's defining moments. In addition to taking home the  Gold in the 400-meter hurdles for women, she also set a new world record with an astounding time, demonstrating her amazing speed and skill.

At the 2023  USA Track and Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, double Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone won the women's 400m title. This is the quickest time of the year thus far. "The greats always push themselves, and I want to be one of them, so I have to push myself and get out of my comfort zone," McLaughlin said to NBC after the event. “I'm simply pleased to be here.”

She has made her name by herself, an inspiration to millions.