Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, after her iconic gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is already sprinting towards her next adventure! Sydney already has her goals sorted and plans made. Her next destination? The World Championships in Tokyo. However, that’s not the only adventure she will embark on. Sydney will also be seen on the Grand Slam Track (GST) in 2025!

“Well, I mean next year is World Championships in Tokyo and starting a new track league, GST,” Sydney said, visibly radiating happiness, in an interview with Peter Burns from ESPN. Fresh off the Hall of Fame induction by her alma mater, the University of Kentucky, the seasoned athlete couldn’t help but grin while talking about the next big hurdle she’s focusing on conquering: “Really excited about that!” So, what exactly makes GST so special? “It’s a new track league that’s going to have four major meets. It’s going to have high prize money and give athletes the opportunity to grow the sport in the US and all over the world,” explained Sydney.

But a new race is not the only reason Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is excited! “I’m really excited about it and excited to be their first racer.” That’s right—Sydney was the first athlete to sign on. With such well-defined goals, one might know what portion keeps Sydney going. Well, it is simple, really. “I had a burger yesterday, so I’m doing good. We’ll get back into it when it’s time,” said Sydney in true champion style.

Grand Slam Track promises to be fierce, and Sydney McLaughlin seems relatively calm and confident. GST is set to feature four annual competitions from April to September. The stakes are high, with eight racers competing in one of twelve event groups. Each competitor will race twice during a weekend, with points awarded based on their finishing position. Making it even more exciting is the fact that the prize pool of $400,000 is up for grabs. GST is a bold step for the sport, and Sydney is at the forefront. All ready to make history yet again!

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Steps Into the Hall of Fame!

Sign up to Essentially Athletics

Join our 110K+ family of loyal track & field fans and don't miss out on the stories that that truly matter in the world of athletics.

Writing her name into history seems to be Sydney McLaughlin’s favorite hobby. Recently, Sydney met with yet another serendipitous incident. She was inducted into the University of Kentucky Hall of Fame. Although Sydney spent only a year at Kentucky before going pro, her impact is honored and remembered.

During the induction speech, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone went on to thank the university for the priceless lesson. She also credited her former coach, Edrick Floréal, for helping her realize that “50 seconds was possible in the 400 hurdles.” Sydney went on to acknowledge that she had a hard year. Yet she wouldn’t change a thing. “I would not be the woman that I am had I not attended the UK,” she added, recognizing the role of her coaches and friends.

Post-induction, Sydney was also spotted cheering for the Kentucky Wildcats during their recent match against the Ohio Bobcats. Sydney was asked about the prediction of the game’s final score; she replied with a smile, “I have no idea, but I feel like we are going to win. So that’s all that matters!” And win, they did! Kentucky, breaking its losing streak, went on to have a 41-6 win. As Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone enjoys her time off racing, the world can’t wait to see what she’ll achieve next!