The world of sports has not been the kindest to Sydney McLaughlin. While some might gloss over the gold medals and world records, longtime fans know the dark underbelly. From crushing depression during the pandemic to unfair paranoia and anxiety as just a teenager, the road has been anything but kind. But perhaps more than the golds and the glamour, the one thing that the reigning 400m champion in women’s hurdles shows is hope. And the reason behind that hope? Well, there’s quite the inspiration to that.

And what better occasion to share the secrets than International Women’s Day? After all, all those young fans want to know what the secret is behind her 50.68s world record in hurdles. And Sydney being Sydney obliged. She expressed her feelings and advice to an eight-year-old girl through the World Athletics YouTube channel. But while people expected some grandiose statements, the reality was far from that.

McLaughlin-Levrone once again showed that her attitude towards running always stayed deeply personal, as she says, “It’s very easy to compare yourself to others, but everybody’s journey is different.” Indeed, comparisons often lead us in the wrong direction, and sometimes we end up doing what is not needed. Sydney also follows the mantra of focusing on her own goals.

Sydney Michelle McLaughlin-Levrone’s approach is shaped by those who paved the way before her. “I think being able to ask questions of people who have been in your position before is so helpful—being able to learn from their mistakes, some of the things that they wish they did differently,” she explains.

By listening and learning from the experiences of the best performers like Jackie Joyner-Kersee, she has made the most of her own personal growth, leading to her becoming a rescue model for little girls who are watching her today. Syd the Kid expressed her emotions, saying that “I’ve always loved track and field, and I want to continue being a role model for the young girl who’s watching, who might be 8 years old like I was and aspiring to be on that stage.” 

From a 17-year-old Olympian to a world champion, McLaughlin-Levrone proves dreams can become reality with dedication and belief. She is really an inspiration for every young girl, watching her on track. With Olympic gold and world records to her name, Sydney isn’t just running races—she’s setting an example for the next generation. Her philosophy is clear: run your own race, jump your own hurdles, and trust your own path.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has strengthened her mindset from the hurdles.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s path to dominance on the track wasn’t just about clearing hurdles—it was about overcoming the ones in her mind. From her early days as a prodigy to shattering world records, she has faced battles beyond the stopwatch. “I felt like I had almost been cheating myself because I was so scared of taking myself mentally back to that place,” she admitted, revealing the toll that pressure and self-doubt once took on her. But rather than letting fear define her, she used it as fuel.

The 2016 Rio Olympics were a turning point. At just 17, McLaughlin-Levrone stepped onto the world stage, only to finish fifth in the semifinals—a moment that stung but shaped her resilience. Instead of dwelling on the disappointment, she sought answers. “I think being able to ask questions of people who have been in your position before is so helpful,” she reflected. She studied the greats, learned from their mistakes, and redefined her own race—mentally and physically.

That shift in mindset led to one of the most dominant performances in track and field history. At the Tokyo Olympics, she stormed to gold in the 400m hurdles, setting a breathtaking world record of 51.46 seconds. She didn’t just run—she conquered, proving that struggles weren’t setbacks but stepping stones. “Everybody’s journey is different,” she said, emphasizing the importance of running her own race.

Now, as a role model, McLaughlin-Levrone embraces the responsibility of inspiring the next generation. Whether it’s on track or in life, she has learned that the greatest victories aren’t just about medals—they’re about mastering the mind, embracing the struggle, and never fearing the hurdles ahead.