Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, one of the most dominant athletes in track and field, has been at the center of discussions regarding her future beyond the sport. The four-time Olympic gold medalist and world record holder has hinted at a desire to start a family, sparking widespread speculation among fans about whether the LA28 Olympics will mark the end of her competitive career.
In her book Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith, Sydney openly expressed her dreams of becoming a mother once she retires. However, she is in no rush to make a decision, focusing first on solidifying her place among Olympic greats. At just 25 years old, she remains determined to achieve even greater heights in the sport, much like legendary sprinters such as Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who proved that motherhood and elite competition can coexist.
Her comments have led to fan theories about whether she will retire after LA28. Last year, she confirmed her excitement about competing in the Los Angeles Olympics, emphasizing how special it would be to race on home soil. However, she has not explicitly stated whether she plans to walk away from the sport after 2028.
Sydney has acknowledged that many female athletes have successfully returned to competition after motherhood. “Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Nia Ali, and a host of other women have shown that not only can you compete again after becoming a mom, but you can come back to the sport stronger,” she wrote. Yet, she remains firm that her journey will unfold according to divine timing. “If and when that happens, I will leave to the Lord’s timing. But the desire is strong in my heart.”
The debate among fans continues. Some believe she will step away permanently, while others think she may take a break and return stronger. Given that Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce won world titles and Olympic medals even after having her son, many speculate that Sydney could follow a similar path.
Adding to the conversation is Sydney’s personal life. She has been married to former NFL player Andre Levrone Jr. since May 2022, and their relationship has played a significant role in shaping her aspirations. Their love story began when Andre responded to a selfie Sydney posted with the caption “Attention,” sparking a connection that quickly grew into a deep and intentional relationship. Now, nearly three years into their marriage, fans are wondering whether their next chapter will include children.
Sydney has spoken about how her faith and Andre’s support have transformed her perspective on life. “I’m so grateful for Andre because he understands the athlete life, the day-to-day, what it takes, and all the little things. We’re very similar just in how we’re wired because of that, which helps us understand each other,” she shared in her book.
Despite the growing speculation, Sydney has not confirmed any retirement plans. At 25, she still has time to achieve more in the sport, and one of her next major goals is breaking the elusive 50-second barrier in the 400-meter hurdles.
While some fans believe LA28 could be her farewell moment, others argue that she may continue competing. Some even suggest that she could transition into commentary or coaching if she decides to step away from competition. Ultimately, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has proven time and time again that she is capable of defying expectations. Whether she chooses to retire after LA28, take a break and return, or balance both motherhood and competition, her journey will be one to watch.