Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: “That's why I love the 400-meter hurdles.”
The New Jersey native repeated her two gold medal wins in Tokyo in Paris, winning the U.S. 4x400m relay to bring her total to four in two Olympic Games.
But what has enabled McLaughlin-Levrone, who hasn't lost a 400m hurdles race since the 2019 World Championships, to maintain that momentum that sets her apart?
“I think the point is there's always something more you can do,” she replied. “You know, there's always a way to improve, and I love finding out what that is and pushing myself to break down those barriers and limitations.”
McLaughlin-Levrone trained in the flat 400m between Tokyo and Paris but a series of injuries have hampered her progress and, after missing the 2023 World Championships, it was clear that her focus would remain on the event she has dominated in recent years.
That “always improving” philosophy suits McLaughlin-Levrone well in the highly technical hurdles, which feature 10 obstacles around one lap of the track. With the help of legendary coach Bobby Kerthy, McLaughlin-Levrone has honed in perfecting her stride pattern, counting her strides and staying in her lane.
“The Open 400 is a real sprint,” she explained, “but at least with the hurdles you have to think about something and work on it. There are a few things that take your mind off the fact that you're running the 400. I think that's why I like the hurdles.”
She was also heartened by the rapturous crowd at the Stade de France – some 70,000 fans screaming at her – a far cry from the empty crowd at her triumph in Tokyo – and, of course, her closest friends and family, including her sister-in-law, who placed the now-famous crown on Sydney's head after the win.
“Oh man, the crowd is amazing. The place is so loud,” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “This experience … having my friends and family here and seeing their faces. … For me, this really feels like my first Olympic moment.”
