“I hate losing. Alwayshave. Always will” – once opined track star Sydney Levrone. Sydney Levrone might be many things but a loser isn’t one of them. Juggling married life and one’s professional overtures is a tough balancing act by Sydney Levrone aces both worlds with elan. She hasn’t forgotten her sight of Olympic glory, at least after last year’s injury marred season, thus bouncing back strong. But her lineage is as impressive as her on-field accomplishments and feats, so let’s do a deep dive.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, at just 24, has a reputation that precedes her. Behind her success is the unwavering support and inspiration from her parents, William and Mary McLaughlin. Sydney Levrone first became quite the showstopper at the 2016 Rio Olympics trials. She won bronze in the 400m hurdles there, becoming the youngest athlete to qualify since Carol Lewis and Denean Howard. As she continues her preparations for the 2024 Summer Games, we take a look back at the people who have inspired her the most: her parents, her perpetual anchors who have stood by her side through thick and thin.

All about Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s athlete parents

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was born to parents Willie McLaughlin and Mary Neumeister McLaughlin in 1999. The couple who settled in New Jersey have always inspired their two children, older brother Taylor and Sydney Levrone, to pursue sports. Amongst her other siblings are sister Morgan and younger brother Ryan. Her mother Mary, who ran a half-mile in 2:12 at Cardinal O’Hara High School, went on to join the men’s track team at Manhattan College. It was there that she met Willie, marking the beginning of a partnership that would significantly shape their daughter’s future in athletics. 

On the other hand, Willie, Sydney McLaughlin’s father, had an impressive athletic career as both a track and field athlete and a basketball player. He achieved All-American status in the 400 meters hurdles during his junior year at Rider University and showcased his versatility by being one of the five finalists for the “Male Athlete of the Year” award from Sports Illustrated Magazine in 1987 while excelling in college basketball. William used to be a District One Academic All American for both years -1984 and 1985. At that time, he was competing on the collegiate track team. He was ranked second in the US for the 400mH. In a matter of great pride, he was inducted into the Rider University Hall of Fame in 2003. 

Additionally, he was the fifth-fastest time holder for the 400mH in 1981, with a personal best time of 48.69s. Becoming the second athlete to ever break the 50s barrier. He also represented the USA as a member of the team headed to the 1981 Pan Am Games. Like her father, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone also grew up in New Jersey and shared her parents’ love for sprinting. Especially her father’s love for the 400m hurdle, which is her bread and butter. Sprinting definitely seems like a family heirloom in the McLaughlin household, passed down from one generation to the next, impressionably. 

How McLaughlin-Levrone surpassed her family in track and field

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone hails from a family of athletes. With her parents’ support, Sydney Levrone won the Gatorade Player of the Year award twice at Union Catholic Regional High School. She qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympic Trials, though she did not make it to the finals. However, in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Levrone won gold in the 400m and 4x400m hurdles. She set a new world record time of 51.46 seconds in the 400mH event. She further lowered her personal best in the 400mH to 50.68 seconds in the 2022 Word Championships in Eugene, Oregon. 

Sydney Levrone became the first woman to break the 52-second and 51-second records in the 400mH event. In 2023, she set the indoor 400m world record at 49.26 seconds. She won gold in the 400m and 4x400m relay at the 2024 World Indoor Championships. Despite missing the 2023 World Championships due to a knee injury, Sydney Levrone has managed to bounce back and is hoping to compete in the Paris Olympics this August. Clearly, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has reached great heights herself during her career with her own forte. However, it is important to note the rich pedigree she comes from, which might give her an added edge.