In 2020, the world faced unprecedented challenges as the COVID-19 pandemic brought life to a halt and postponed the Tokyo Olympics to 2021. For Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, this delay marked a turning point in her athletic journey. When the Olympics eventually took place, she not only claimed gold but also made history. In a riveting 400m hurdles final, McLaughlin closed in on her teammate and defending champion, Dalilah Muhammad, in the final strides. Her incredible finish in 51.46 seconds broke her own world record of 51.90, solidifying her as the youngest athlete ever, at just 21, to win Olympic gold in the 400m hurdles.
Reflecting on her achievement, McLaughlin admitted it was hard to grasp the magnitude of her success, saying, “I can’t really get it straight in my head yet. I’m sure I’ll process it and celebrate later.” The postponement of the Games, however, proved to be a blessing in disguise for her. The extra year gave her valuable time to refine her technique, which had been a persistent concern. She revealed that when the postponement was announced, she felt relieved, calling it “the best thing to happen to me since the stay-at-home order.”
During this extended period, McLaughlin worked on overcoming technical challenges in hurdling. Although physically stronger than ever, she found herself frustrated by the gaps in her technique. Known for her determination, she couldn’t ignore these issues and sought solutions. This led her to reconsider working with Coach Edrick Floreal, known as Coach Flo, despite the intense toll his training program had taken on her during her time at the University of Texas. Under his guidance, McLaughlin had previously achieved significant breakthroughs in her hurdling technique, making him an integral figure in her development.
The collaboration with Coach Flo proved invaluable, and McLaughlin has continued to credit his influence on her career. During her induction into the University of Kentucky’s Hall of Fame, she reflected on how her experiences under his mentorship shaped her as an athlete. As a collegiate star, McLaughlin captured the 2018 NCAA title in the 400m hurdles, became a three-time SEC Champion, and earned five All-American honors.
In her Hall of Fame induction speech, McLaughlin expressed deep gratitude for the lessons she learned under Coach Flo’s guidance. She recalled the intensity of his training sessions, humorously describing how exhausting they were, saying, “I remember seeing jellyfish flying around—that’s how hard the training was!” Yet, through these challenges, Coach Flo helped her unlock her potential and laid the foundation for her remarkable career.
As McLaughlin celebrated her accomplishments, including her triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics, she credited the pivotal role of Coach Flo in her journey. His influence not only propelled her to athletic success but also instilled the confidence to achieve milestones she once thought impossible.