Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is a force of nature on the track, tearing through Grand Slam meets like a comet. At just 25, she’s already a two-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 400m hurdles, dominating with a jaw-dropping 50.37-second performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Her stride, her focus, it’s pure poetry in motion. Heading into the Prefontaine Classic, she’s the one to watch, making a debut and carrying the kind of momentum that makes fans lean forward in their seats. But what’s the secret behind her meteoric rise? How did she carve out a path that’s left her rivals in the dust?
Unlike many of her peers who jumped straight to the pro circuit, Sydney took a different road. On the Ready Set Go podcast, she opened up about her choice to attend the University of Kentucky for a year before going pro. “What I loved about how my parents developed me was that they let me be a kid,” she said. “They let me grow up naturally. I trained in high school, but I didn’t train super hard. College was the first time I felt like, ‘Oh, this is what it’s like to train.’ That gradual build, she believes, prepped her body for the grind of elite competition. But why did she choose college over the pro spotlight?
Her mom was the driving force. “The decision to go to college was mainly influenced by my mom, which I really appreciated,” Sydney shared. “I think she just wanted me to have that experience.” That year in Lexington gave her more than just track reps. Living in a dorm, doing laundry, managing money, it was a crash course in independence. “I valued it because when you go pro, that team aspect is gone,” she explained. “The resources are on you—whether it’s a trainer, recovery, a weight coach.” That team environment shaped her, but what did it teach her about the long game?
Credit: Instagram/ Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
Sydney’s college stint wasn’t just about life skills; it was a revelation. “I think it also helped me realize, ‘Okay, this is what it’s like to train at this high level—now where is the right place for me to do that?’” she said. That year grounded her, giving her the clarity to chase greatness on her terms. As she lines up at the Prefontaine Classic, you can’t help but wonder: will her unique path keep fueling her dominance?
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone set to shine in Prefontaine Classic debut
Well, Hayward Field will be absolutely buzzing with anticipation as one of track and field’s brightest stars steps onto the stage for the first time. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the 25-year-old phenom and four-time Olympic gold medalist, is set to make her Prefontaine Classic debut on July 5, 2025. Known as the greatest 400-meter hurdler ever, with a world-record-shattering 50.37-second run at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she’s trading her signature hurdles for the flat 400 meters in one of the meet’s non-Diamond League events. The energy in Eugene is going to be electric. But what makes this debut so special?
Sydney’s no stranger to the spotlight, but the Prefontaine Classic holds a sacred spot in track and field lore. “I’m excited to participate in this year’s Prefontaine Classic, which holds a special place in the heart of track and field,” she said in a statement released by the Pre Classic organizers. Her decision to race the 400 meters, a departure from her hurdle dominance, adds an extra layer of intrigue. This isn’t just another race, it’s a chance to see a legend test herself against a stacked field. So, who’s she up against?
Image via IMAGO
The Pre Classic always draws an elite crowd, and Sydney’s ready to face an “incredible field of athletes,” as she put it. With her blazing speed and unmatched competitive edge, she’s not just here to participate, she’s here to make a statement. “I can’t wait to see everyone in Eugene!” she added, her excitement practically leaping off the page. That passion, that fire, it’s what makes her a fan favorite. But what’s driving her to take on this new challenge?
As Sydney steps onto the track at Hayward Field, all eyes will be on her. This debut isn’t just about the 400 meters; it’s about cementing her legacy in a sport she’s already redefined. Will she blaze through the field and leave us all speechless again?
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