Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has proven her prowess in both track and field and football. As a frontrunner in athletics, she has achieved remarkable milestones that cement her as a potential legend. With two Olympic gold medals in the women’s 400m hurdles and six world record performances since the 2020 US Olympic trials, including her most recent record-breaking run at the Paris Olympics, Sydney’s dominance is clear. Additionally, her 22.07-second finish in the women’s 200m at the LA Grand Prix last year ranks among the best in history.
Her connection to football comes through her husband, Andre Levrone, a former player for the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and Jacksonville Jaguars. This unique dual perspective makes Sydney well-suited to discuss the contrasts between track and field and more popular American sports like football and basketball.
In a YouTube podcast, Clearly Reformed, Sydney highlighted these differences, describing track and field as a highly individualized sport. Unlike football or basketball, where funding and resources are typically provided by teams or organizations, track and field athletes often rely on personal sponsorships for financial support. Sydney considers herself fortunate to have a deal with New Balance, but she notes that expenses such as coaching and therapy are self-managed, making the sport challenging for many athletes. In contrast, players in football and basketball benefit from comprehensive support systems.
Sydney further elaborated on the disparity in funding and popularity, stating that track and field lacks the widespread recognition and financial backing of mainstream sports. This results in fewer opportunities for athletes, forcing many to compete primarily for their love of the sport. She expressed optimism, however, about the future of track and field, citing initiatives like the Grand Slam Track (GST) and the upcoming World Athletics Ultimate Championships as steps toward elevating the sport’s profile.
The GST, introduced in 2024, offers significant financial incentives, including a $100,000 prize for event champions in each of its four Slams, with the potential to earn $400,000 annually. Athletes also benefit from promotional opportunities through the league. The World Athletics Ultimate Championships aims to further raise the stakes, with winners earning $150,000—more than double the $70,000 awarded in 2023.
Sydney has played an influential role in these developments, being the first athlete to sign with GST. Her involvement has brought attention to the league and its efforts to transform the sport’s economic landscape. In an interview with Citius Mag, she praised GST for its innovative approach and its potential to grow track and field’s popularity, especially as the LA Olympics approach. During the Clearly Reformed podcast, she expressed hope for the sport’s continued rise and pledged her commitment to fostering its growth.
Through her advocacy and accomplishments, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is working to reshape the perception of track and field, moving it beyond its “individualized” label and toward a brighter, more unified future.