As the Paris Olympic Games draw nearer, get to know Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who may once again win multiple gold medals.
How did Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone do during 2023 Diamond League?
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone won the 400m flat event in Paris during the 2023 Diamond League circuit, her only win on the tour.
What event will Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone compete in at the Olympics?
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone focused on the 400m flat event in 2024 but has been a 400m hurdles specialist for much of her life.
Even amid an injury-riddled 2024, she has already become the 10th fastest woman all-time in the 400m flat event and is close to the U.S. record of 48.70 seconds set by Sanya Richards-Ross in 2006.
McLaughlin-Levrone has yet to announce which event she’ll focus on in the lead-up to Paris. If she goes for both, she will have a chance to become the first woman to win Olympic medals in both the 400m and 400m hurdles.
Who is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s biggest competitor?
If she attempts the 400m flat, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s top competition comes via two-time defending Olympic champion and 2022 world champion Shaunae Miller-Uibo of The Bahamas. Tokyo silver medalist Marileidy Paulino of the Dominican Republic will also figure to compete for medals.
In the 400m hurdles, U.S. Star Dalilah Muhammad and Dutchwoman Femke Bol represent McLaughlin-Levrone’s top competition. Bol won the 400m hurdles world title in 2023, while Muhammad won gold in the event in Rio, plus earned silver in Tokyo.
Who does Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone train with?
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach is Bobby Kersee, who also coached U.S. Olympic legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee, his wife.
What shoes does Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone wear?
Sydney McLaughlin-Levone wears the New Balance 2024 FuelCell Rebel v4.
Why was Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone not at the 2023 World Championships?
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone missed worlds due to a knee injury. She wrote on Instagram: “I am so sad to share that I must withdraw from the this year's World Championships meet in Budapest. After consulting with my doctors and coaches, I need to take care of a minor knee issue so that I can be fully healthy for next years’ Paris Olympics."