Supporters of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone are buzzing with curiosity and assumption after seeing her most recent Instagram post. In the recent post, the Olympic champion talked about how she had fallen back in love with running, many speculated that she may take on something new at the Olympics in Paris. Viewers are keen to know if she would try for a double gold in Paris, and her recent 200m performance has further fanned the flames.

In the first picture of the carousel, McLaughlin-Levrone shared a happy snapshot of herself reaching the finishing line. That followed a number of stunning images capturing the different moods of the hurdler. along with that came a thoughtful note. “Learning to fall back in love with the sport I’ve grown up in,” she stated.

Noting the high and low points, she continued, “It has its ups and downs with injuries, shortcomings, and everything in between. Still, it’s the most joyful experience to feel the freedom of running.” Marking gratitude and genuine purpose on the route, McLaughlin-Levrone further wrote, “To get to do what you love everyday is a gift, and to have an opportunity to share God’s message through that makes the journey have true meaning. Grateful for progress, and thankful for God’s grace.” There is every reason for Sydney to thank the almighty for her latest win. This was her first ever 200m run since 2018. But that could hardly dent her quality.

At the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix, Sydney topped the 200 meters, recording a personal best of 22.07 seconds, a mere five-hundredths of a second off the world lead. Her time also made her eligible for entry and selection in the U.S. Olympic Team Trials. “I feel good. I love the sprint races; love the shorter races,” Sydney said after the win. Notably, the 200m lineup in the event was rock solid, featuring runners like Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist Gabby Thomas and double relay world champion Abby Steiner among others.

Overcoming that challenge, Sydney sounded upbeat as she said, “Obviously, [there are] things I can always work on, but I think for a PR and second 200m this year; can’t complain.” Looking at all these, analysts and supporters understandably started the discussion about Sydney’s chances of doubling in Paris. But what Sydney herself has to say about it? Let’s take a look.

Fans and peers respond to McLaughlin-Levrone’s “happy glow”

It did not take much time for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s admirers and peers to halt at her Instagram post and thoughts instantly started pouring in. While one fan said, “200m in Paris??“ another directly pushed Sydney to participate in the 200 event: “You better run the 200m!!!!!” However, Sydney has a different perspective on the matter.

“I think 400 hurdles is my bread and butter. That’s what I’m most comfortable with, so we’re going to try to get back to that,” Sydney said after the victory, clarifying that the 400-meter hurdles will still be her major focus. It seems that for her the race was a tune-up for the 400m hurdles instead. “It’s just a good gauge of where you are, and I think that’s what these are; helping me see where I’m at and what I need to improve on,” she explained. However, from her performance, it never seemed that she was running a warm-up race.

Looking at that, another user remarked “world-class field,” writing, “Still shaking my head. SMOKED a world-class field. That has to rattle everyone running the 200. God bless!” But enthusiasts might have to be content with watching Sydney only in her signature event as she hinted not to attempt that in the trials while taking things slowly.

“That’s definitely a possibility in the future, but just wanting to come back, after last season, just stick to one event and try to do it the best I can, be healthy, which we are, and I’m very happy about,” Sydney said after the race. Understandably, coming back from last year’s injury, she might not want to overwhelm herself only to be sidelined again.

Her return to peak performance was the result of a rigorous effort that included “a lot of prevention and care, a lot of the little stuff rehabbing, making sure you’re strong in the small muscles,” according to Sydney. Looking at that much-awaited comeback, even her fellow track mates were awestruck. Olympian Tara Davis-Woodhall wrote, “Sheeesssss baacckkkkk.” Sydney’s fans would surely be able to relate to Tara’s elation, given how long the former had to stay away from the tracks.

Last year, Sydney pulled off the second-fastest 400m in US history (48.74). Unfortunately, she had to pull out of the World Athletics Championship in Budapest for a PCL tear in her left knee that led to patella issues and tendonitis. Therefore her glow of success at the LA Grand Prix must have been evident as Britton Rose noted, “Happy Syd is GLOWING!🥹🤍.” 

Anna Hall, meanwhile, wrote, “happy glow ❤️✨,” once again highlighting good vibes enveloping the athlete. Emma Coburn expressed her thrill by commenting, “Excited to see you crush it 👏👏. Do you think Sydney should stick to her signature event or explore other possibilities as well? Let us know in the comments!