Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is faster than the fastest woman we all know. The Olympic medalist began her journey in high school and became the youngest American track and field athlete at the age of 16 to qualify for the Olympic Games since the boycotted Moscow Games in 1980. She continued on to qualify for the 2016 Rio Games, the delayed 2020 Tokyo Games and now the 2024 Paris Games.
Here’s more on her track record:
She’s really fast. (No really!)
McLaughlin-Levrone is competing in her third Olympic Games with two gold medals already under her belt. She is ranked first in the world in her primary event, the women’s 400-meter hurdles, where she holds the world record of 50.68 seconds.
Running is in her genes
Her father, Willie, appeared at the 400-meter semi-finals for the 1984 U.S Olympic Trials. Her mother was a middle-distance runner and her older brother, Taylor, won silver in the 400 meter hurdles at the 2016 IAAF World U20 Championships. Her sister Morgan ran in college and her younger brother, Ryan, clinched several titles at Union Catholic High School, where all his siblings previously attended.
She loves social media
Like any millennial, the 24 year-old does not shy away from posting her life on Instagram. The athlete boasts an impressive 1.1 million followers on the app where she shares everything from brand promotions to cooking videos.
She leads faith first
McLaughlin-Levrone, author of “Far Beyond Gold: Running From Fear to Faith,” isn’t afraid to share her identity as a devout Christian with the world. On the track field, and across the Internet she faithfully shares her beliefs authentically. Underneath many posts, you can find an ode to her religion as she celebrates her wins on and off of the track.
She’s a (fashion) icon
She doesn’t just strut on the track, McLaughlin-Levrone struts on runways, too. As a New Balance athlete, she is constantly modeling the newest athletic fashions, but it doesn’t stop there. She recently released an apparel line with the brand that shows off the personal style she was recognized for early in her career.