Paris Olympics 2024: Sydney McLaughlin’s Crucial Decision Might Lead to Olympian Making History

With the Paris Olympics 2024 approaching, all eyes are on record-breaking American track and field star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. Olympic sprinter is set to return to her favorite event, the 400m hurdles for the 2024 US Olympic Trials. The 24-year-old is aiming to qualify for the Paris Games and defend her title. She has already made new world records in the past and broke the 52s and 51s marks in the hurdle race. Now the sprinter who was named the female World Athlete of 2022 is going for gold in the Olympics this August. Additionally, if she wins, it will create a new Olympic history.

In a recent Citrus Mag tweet, they split the details on whether Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will return to the Paris Olympics in August. They wrote, “After not racing any hurdle races in 2023 and winning last year’s U.S. 400m title in 48.74 (second-fastest in U.S. history), coach Bobby Kersee told NBC Sports that Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will be returning to the 400m hurdles as her focus for the Paris Olympics.” Bob Kersee further added, “I think Sydney’s love is the 400m hurdles, and so that’s the number one event,” adding, “My job is to make sure that she gets ready for the one that she wants to do the most.”

McLaughlin-Levrone is the reigning Olympic Champion and world record holder in the 400m hurdle. Anderson Emerole retweeted Citrus Mag post and pointed out that, “If Sydney were to win Olympic 400mH Gold this summer, she would become the first woman in history to win back-to-back Olympic titles in the event.” One of the two other women to have this honor is Dalilah Muhammad who won gold in 2016 and silver in 2020. 

The potential competition between McLaughlin-Levrone and Dalilah Muhammad, who owns the third-fastest time in history, will be a thrilling watch. Joining them will also be Netherlands’ Femke Bol who is an Olympic Bronze medalist and the 2nd fastest woman in history with 51.45 personal best. She earned this last July in London’s Diamond League. If McLaughlin-Levrone qualifies for the Olympics she can also participate in the mixed-gender 4x400m relay and women’s 4x400m relay. Right now, she is focusing all her energy on the trials and recovering from the injury that set her back in 2023. 

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s inspiring path to recovery 

Last year Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone announced her withdrawal from the World Athletics Championships in Budapest citing a knee injury. With less than a month remaining until the championship she said, “After consulting with my doctors and coaches, I need to take care of a minor knee issue so that I can be fully healthy for next year’s Paris Olympics. I look forward to seeing everyone back on the track soon!” USA Track and Field released a statement where they stood by her decision to withdraw, saying, “We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back on the track soon.” Her coach also weighed in on the matter, assuring track and field enthusiasts that the injury is “nothing serious,” and she will not require surgery.

As part of her recovery, the sprinter underwent physical therapy as well as strength and conditioning work to recover. This wasn’t her first time withdrawing. Previously she had withdrawn from the pre-World Championships with three weeks to go. It was again due to her recurring knee issue. But 2024 has been good for Sydney so far. According to Citrus Mag, “Last month, McLaughlin-Levrone ran 12.71 for the 100m hurdles (the second-fastest time of her career) and has also run a wind-aided 22.38 for 200m. She is scheduled to run the 200m at tomorrow’s LA Grand Prix.” Additionally, as she has decided to return to the 2024 Olympics, viewers will get to see her in a rejuvenated and healthy form.