Remember when Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone stunned the crowds at Stade de France? She returned to the Olympics for her third berth as the defending champion in the 400m hurdles. However, the 25-year-old’s debut on the world’s grandest stage wasn’t as epic as she expected. Unfortunately, the hurdler could only muster up a 17th-place finish in the 400m hurdles during the 2016 Rio Games. But she turned things around in the Japanese capital with a stunning gold medal-worthy performance in the 400m hurdles and the 4x400m relay.

With 50.37 seconds on the clock, she then shattered her record at Stade de France and became the first woman to successfully defend her title in the event. When World Athletics unveiled its annual Track Athlete of the Year awards in October, the 4x Olympic gold medalist earned a spot amongst six equally talented nominees. She has previously won this award back in 2022 but missed out on it last year. So, how did she do this year?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone climbed her way back to the top

After waiting for two months, it is finally time to find out who earned the coveted track and field crown. Last year, fellow track and field star Faith Kipyegon bagged the prestigious honor. However, this year, it was all about Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. On December 1, the official World Athletics Instagram account shared the final results with the fans, captioned, “Female Track Athlete of the Year Winner 🏆 🇺🇸’s Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is your Female Track Athlete of the Year 🤩” 

For the unversed, the Olympian was among a stacked lineup that included last year’s winner Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet, Julien Alfred, Gabby Thomas, and Marileidy Paulino. However, the WA Council, family, and public vote on social media helped pick 2 athletes as finalists for the massive track and honor. The 25-year-old moved to the last phase and locked horns with the Olympic 100m Champion. Fans had one more chance to pick their winner between November 4 and 10. 

What did they need to consider for this prestigious award? Factors like who has shown great prowess at the World Athletics Indoor Championships, 2024 Olympic Games, one-day meeting circuits, and more would play a huge role. Even though Sydney McLaughlin Levrone hadn’t been on the track as much this season, it’s obvious that many fans couldn’t get over her dreamy Parisian stint. But now that she wears the bejeweled crown of Female Track Athlete of the Year, some fans seem to have a bone to pick with WA. What did they have to say?

Track and Field community doesn’t seem as impressed by the Olympian

What’s great about the 25-year-old’s illustrious career is that she set her first 400mH world record in 2021 at Eugene – 51.90. Since then, she’s lowered it SIX times, the last one being at the Paris Olympics. Returning to the world’s biggest stage, the hurdler shaved 0.28 seconds off her record. Not even two days later, she returned to the iconic purple tracks to clinch another gold with the 4x400m team. Her accolades have always been impressive, but fans weren’t on board with the results. What did they say?

One fan stated, “She is amazing but was injured almost the whole season. That’s not fair to athletes who competed the whole season😮” Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone had to sit out most of the season. but she came back with a vengeance and proved her mettle on the track every single time she contested. Another fan agreed, “Who voted for this?! #StopTheSteal 💀😂” According to these fans, the Olympian didn’t do enough for the award. So, why did she stay off the track, you ask?

Right before the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, the hurdler took a break from the track due to a knee injury. However, this led to numerous phenoms taking up the spotlight in her absence. However, listening to her doctor’s instructions worked for the Olympian. The 2024 Paris Olympics were a homecoming of sorts. She knocked her competitors out with a blistering 50.37 seconds on the clock. Yet, this doesn’t seem to be enough.

A fan exclaimed, “Nawwwwwe .. someone who only runs 3 races a year @worldathletics do better .. smh” It’s true. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is known to be very selective of the races she picked. On the other hand, a frustrated fan reiterated, “Robbery in broad daylight smh…” Many fans hoped that Julien Alfred or the other nominees would’ve walked away with the honor instead. 

The Olympian’s coach, Bobby Kersee, is responsible for being selective about her races. One of the many factors to be considered include health and performance. However, the hurdler graced the tracks several times this season. On the contrary, this wasn’t good enough for the fans.

One fan confessed, “SMH of course US bias .. she’s not even top 3 for me .” Several fans believed that the WA was biased. However, another fan pointed out, “Faith Kipyegon must not exist or something because no shade, Faith is THAT GIRL.” Most were flabbergasted with how Kipyegon didn’t even make it to the final round. 

During the 2024 Paris Olympics, the Kenyan etched her name as the 1500m Queen. How did she do that? She clinched her third consecutive Olympic at the distance in Stade de France. With this, she became the first woman to win three Olympic golds in the event. The world record holder crossed the finish line in 3:51.29, shaving off two seconds from the Olympic record she set in the Japanese capital three years ago.

Even though Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone walked away with the highest honor, many fans hoped for a different result. Do you agree with them?