When the world thinks of athletic royalty, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is hands down one of the names that fits the bill. After hurdling her way to an Olympic Gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Sydney is prepping to take the track again. However, the win is not all that she is trying to recreate. Remember the iconic crown moment from the 2024 Paris Olympics? You know the one!

After breaking the world record in the 400-meter hurdles, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone put on a tiara! A tiara that added to her celebration and the iconic moment. However, what the world seemed to forget was that the crown was no cutesy accessory for the moment. It was a symbol of a legacy in the making. And now, as she prepares to take on Grand Slam Track in 2024, she is recreating the look!

And why wouldn’t she? Sydney had perhaps one of the most iconic finishes in Olympic history. When she crossed the finish line, clocking 50.37, she did not just break her own world record. But also made history as the reigning champion. Amidst the plethora of celebration and jubilation at the Stade de France, Sydney was surprised by her sister-in-law. The surprise?

The surprise was the ever-so-iconic crown.  Sydney recalled how her sister-in-law said, “I’m going to crown you.” And that is exactly what she did! It is the magic of that moment that GST is trying to bring to the 2025 season. They took it to Instagram with the recreated look picture and wrote, “Grand Entrance 👑 @grandslamtrack welcomes its racers to Los Angeles for the 2024 Racer Summit.” So why recreate it?

When Sydney wore the crown with the American flag wrapped around her, the moment became a symbol of iconicity and speed. Now, as she prepares to headline the latest league, the crown stands as an emblem of hard-earned wins. With Sydney being one of the first athletes to be signed on to GST, the pressure is as high as ever for her.

What does Grand Slam Track hold for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is not just leading on the tracks this time. She is, in fact, leading change with her commitment to Grand Slam Track. Michael Johnson’s newly launched league is actively working to improve the state of track and field. And above all, break the Olympics’ four-year cycle that track seems to be stuck in. So, how is Sydney planning on doing the same?

For starters, Sydney will be running two events at the GST. She will run her pride and winning race, the 400m hurdles. But then she will also be running the 400m flat. Imagine the excitement and adrenaline of Paris being felt in Los Angeles. That too before the 2028 LA Olympics! Well, that is exactly what GST is set to do. The competition, however, will not be an easy one.

Recently, a new name has signed on to GST. One that can give Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone some serious competition. The new athlete is none other than Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino. Paulino won the gold in the Paris 400m flat and then continued her momentum at the Diamond League. At the Leagues, she went on to win gold yet again in the 400m. Unfortunately, Sydney couldn’t run at the Diamond Leagues. But worry not; Grand Slam Track sets the stage for exactly that!

While there seems to be competition building in the 400m flat. The competition on the 400m hurdles is no joke. Syndey will be going up against America’s Shamier Little and Jasmine Jones. And last but not least, she will also be facing Jamaican athlete Rushell Clayton. While Clayton finished 5th during the 400m hurdle in Paris, she has a speed that could bring her close to Sydney during the upcoming season.

As Sydney steps back onto the track, the only question that remains is, will she take the crown yet again? Stay tuned because this queen’s journey is far from done!