Comparing Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone to Kobe Bryant is nothing short of the highest praise in the world of sports. When you hear that name, you immediately think of greatness, an unyielding work ethic, and the legendary “Mamba Mentality.” To be mentioned in the same breath as Kobe is to be recognized not just for talent but for an indomitable spirit. According to American track star Justin Gatlin, Sydney embodies that very essence. Her determination, her calm under pressure, and her relentless pursuit of excellence remind him of a young Kobe Bryant when he first set foot in the NBA.

Gatlin’s comparison came after Sydney’s stunning victory in the Women’s 400m hurdles, where she didn’t just win gold for the second consecutive time—she shattered her own world record, crossing the finish line in a jaw-dropping 50.37 seconds. It was a performance that left the world in awe, a feat of athleticism that felt almost superhuman.

But for Sydney, this victory was more than just another medal; it was a personal triumph, happening on her birthday, making it all the more unforgettable. “I think this was my first real Olympics,” she reflected, underscoring the significance of this moment in her career.

Justin Gatlin’s comparison isn’t just about the accolades or the records—though Sydney has plenty of both. It’s about her relentless drive, her mental toughness, and her ability to elevate the sport to new heights, much like Kobe did for basketball.

After breaking the record, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone drew a Kobe Bryant comparison from Justin Gatlin

In a podcast with Rodney Green on YouTube, the American sprinter Justin Gatlin praised Sydney for her amazing performance. He said, “So it’s, to me, it’s like, okay, cool. It was amazing to watch Sydney. She’s truly talented, hands down.” With a lot of respect, he continued, “She has a gift from God, not just physically, but mentally and emotionally. She’s a warrior. Doug, she’s a warrior.” Justin highlighted her exceptional performance, acknowledging the mental and physical strength that set her apart.

He continued, saying, “And, and afterwards watching her, like she didn’t necessarily want to put this crown on her head, this little, the tr that she had on her head, which looked great on her head. But the fact it told me I’m a warrior. I know I’m a I’m the queen of this realm, but I fought for this.” This reminded the audience of how Sydney wanted to share her crown with her teammates, which her sister-in-law brought her as she won the 400m hurdles. This sportsmanship impressed Justin, and he said that she deserved that crown. But what truly defines her is the constant battle she fought to get to this position she is in right now.

Sydney knows she is a queen but she set her eyes on her journey that made her a true warrior. Justin’s remark, “I’m a warrior. And what you said from the beginning, bro, like she, she takes a page outta Kobe’s book, job’s not done. Yep. I think until she breaks 50, the 50 barriers, she’s like, job’s not done.” reflected how he appreciates Sydney’s dedication and a positive mindset. He says that Sydney adopted her relentless discipline from Kobe Byrant, always thinking about the next target no matter how successful she is. But Sydney warned against complacency. She believes she still has much to do and can’t rest on her laurels.

If she makes it through to the final, has to break the barrier of 50 seconds at least. The fighting spirit that defines her is seen most clearly in how we see her work out. Her motto – jobs never over-echoes Kobe through and through. McLaughlin-Levrone’s victory is truly quite impressive. She leaped right out of the blocks, soon overtaking her nearest rival, from the Netherlands Femke Bol, on the home straight. Then, for all intents and purposes maintained a big lead throughout the race.

Bol, the second-fastest native to the contest, struggled to maintain that pace and eventually came in third. United States’ Anna Cockrell was second. “It’s amazing to see our sport continue to grow, for people want to watch the 400m hurdles,” Sydney told the media after the race. This humbleness was also present in Kobe, as he used to show respect to all his competitors and teammates. The track world watches eagerly as Sydney sets her sights on new challenges.

What’s ahead for the track star?

Following her historic Paris Olympics win, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is ready to face new challenges. At a media event in Los Angeles for Michael Johnson’s new track league, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone confirmed she’s narrowing her Olympic focus to what she calls “my first love.” “I think we kind of just knew we wanted to come back to the hurdles,” she told The Associated Press. “Last year was fun trying the 400 and kind of dabbling in that, and you know, in the future we might come back to that as well, but I think this is kind of just our focus right now.” This year, McLaughlin-Levrone ran a 400 flat in 48.75 seconds at the NYC Grand Prix, the third fastest time in U.S. history. She competed in five events—100 and 400 hurdles, 200 and 400 flat, and the 4×100 relay.

Levrone also won an Olympic gold medal in the 4×400 relay. Despite hints of tackling bigger challenges since her Tokyo victory, her plans remained unclear until recently. At the Paris Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone made history as the first woman to win back-to-back titles in the 400-meter hurdles since the event’s introduction in 1984. “We’ve taken it so far. I have to credit these ladies next to me for helping me do that,” she said after her win. “This is an event that wasn’t very popular, but we made it very popular very quickly. I do think 49 seconds is possible. I do think the talent sitting in front of you can do that.”

She added, “I think we push each other to do that, improve, and find ways to lower these times that we, for so long, thought were impossible. I don’t know when it’s possible but I do think it’s out there.” With a personal best of 48.74 seconds in the open 400 meters, McLaughlin-Levrone has hinted at potentially moving to this event in the future. “I don’t know if I can give a definitive yes or no,” she said uncertainly in a post-race interview. She also mentioned her love for other events and expressed a desire to compete in some she hasn’t done since high school.

Just as Kobe Bryant inspired many young athletes, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone hopes to do the same. For aspiring athletes, she is a beacon of success and perseverance. Her work ethic and relentless pursuit of improvement set a clear example. They show the extent one must go to reach the top. Her legacy will likely inspire future generations of track and field stars. They will look to her as a role model for overcoming personal and professional challenges.