Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s recent win was not her best, but it was enough to secure victory over the rest. The 4x Olympic Gold had her season’s best 49.43 in 400m at the Prefontaine Classic. From here, her next challenge is the Ed Murphey Classic (July 11–12). She only has two months to iron out those lapses before the World Championships. But before that, there is a heartfelt plea before her next race, which relates to an off-court achievement.
“The ESPYS! Wow. Blessed and thankful for this nomination!! Make sure to cast your votes before the poll closes! thank you guys for all the love and support.” Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone revealed she is nominated to take home the biggest award. The voting request was to her 1.5 million Instagram followers, as even the competition there is fierce. Apart from her, Gabby Thomas, Simone Biles, and A’ja Wilson are in contention to win as the winner is revealed on July 16th.
All 4 women have earned the nomination with consistency and record-breaking wins under their belt. Speaking about the wins, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was somewhat not pleased with her efforts at the Prefontaine Classic. Despite her season-best time, “It wasn’t my best work, but just happy to be here and happy to get another race under my belt,” admitted the 25-year-old. The New Jersey native was very honest with the assessment of her performance and explained where she lacked.
“Yeah, definitely the first 200. Just being able to go out fearlessly, knowing that my fitness can bring me home.” The reigning Olympic champion’s win was never in doubt. But the competition came from Aaliyah Butler’s 49.86, who came in second, and Isabella Whittaker, who came third in 50.81. With the world at her feet, McLaughlin-Levrone recently also revealed a change in her approach that was needed in her life.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is dominating life hurdles one after another
At the 2024 Paris Games, the 25-year-old set a 50.68-second world record. With 7 years running professionally, she has had her ups and downs, and on the Ready Set Go podcast with Justin Gatlin, McLaughlin revealed the change in her thinking process. Once she used to crave attention from everyone, but now enjoys her time away from the limelight.
“I wanted all the attention, all the fame, all the money, all the things. I wanted all of it.” Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone used social media and curated the perfect posts to soak in validation. “I was feeding off of that; that was my source of life,” she confessed. But then the reality hit. “Whether it’s social media, track and field, money, relationships—those things will never satisfy you, and they’re always changing.”
This was during the time when the world was at a standstill. During the COVID pandemic, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone found time to reset and reconnect. To have things like track and field or relationships or status be my source was… stealing the glory from God.” Her Christian faith helped her with a new purpose and a new mindset. The 25-year-old realized the comments and social media validation were never the end goal.
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