Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, widely considered the greatest 400m hurdler in history, has achieved remarkable milestones in track and field. However, she acknowledges that her status often goes unnoticed in Los Angeles, a city filled with NBA, NFL, and Hollywood celebrities. Despite her groundbreaking achievements and world records, McLaughlin-Levrone finds herself able to move through daily life with a surprising level of anonymity.
Originally from New Jersey, she currently lives and trains in California alongside her husband, Andre Levrone, under the guidance of the legendary coach Bob Kersee. Since turning professional in 2019, McLaughlin-Levrone has continued to redefine the 400m hurdles, winning gold medals at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics, as well as the 2022 World Championships. Her latest accomplishment was setting a new world record of 50.37 seconds in the 400m hurdles at the 2024 Olympics, surpassing her own previous record of 50.65 seconds. Her extraordinary performance has cemented her place among the sport’s elite.
Nonetheless, McLaughlin-Levrone shared her experience of remaining largely unrecognized in public spaces, particularly in a celebrity-saturated city like Los Angeles. She noted that while some athletes in track and field, such as Sha’Carri Richardson, are more frequently recognized, she often enjoys a quieter public presence. She acknowledged that track and field as a sport is still gaining mainstream recognition, and high-profile figures in other sports often overshadow athletes like herself.
McLaughlin-Levrone appreciates the balance her privacy affords her, even if it underscores a broader cultural gap in recognition for track and field. She can go about daily tasks largely unbothered, yet she admits there are occasional moments where she’s asked if she looks familiar. Though she values her private lifestyle, McLaughlin-Levrone is also passionate about representing her sport and believes that gaining some public recognition could help raise the profile of track and field.
Her impact on the sport is unquestionable; she has broken four world records in the 400m hurdles within a span of 13 months, establishing a lasting legacy. Yet even as she continues to excel, McLaughlin-Levrone remains focused on a broader goal: bringing track and field into the mainstream and inspiring the next generation to engage with and appreciate the sport.