McLaughlin-Levrone has expounded on what motivates her after setting a sixth world record in the 400m hurdles to succesfully defend her crown.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the undisputed queen of the 400 meters hurdles, continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in her sport.
Having just turned 25, McLaughlin-Levrone has cemented her status as arguably the greatest sprinter of all time in the event, setting a new world record for the sixth time and successfully defending her Olympic title with a dominant performance.
In a race that showcased her unmatched skill and composure, McLaughlin-Levrone led from start to finish, leaving her competitors, including the formidable Femke Bol, trailing in her wake. Her victory, executed with a blend of grace and power, was a testament to her relentless drive to stay ahead of the competition.
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Paris 2024 Olympics: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone overcomes Femke Bol to succesfully defend 400mH title & set new world record
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Reflecting on what keeps her motivated, McLaughlin-Levrone credited the increasing level of competition in the 400m hurdles as a key factor. “I mean, the event is just getting faster and faster.
There is so much depth in it and it always keeps me on my toes and makes me want to continue to improve and get better in the race,” she told the media after her race. “There are so many ways to race. So many stride patterns so I love being able to improve upon myself.”
McLaughlin-Levrone's victory was not just a personal achievement but a moment of family celebration. Before taking her lap of honor, she was spotted wearing a tiara, a symbol of her triumph and a nod to the support of her loved ones.
When asked about the significance of the tiara, she explained, “My sister-in-law brought that. I never told her to. I thought she was joking but she was serious, but it was just about commemorating the moment.
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“Just family being here. Really grateful she got to be here and my whole family got here especially after Tokyo where nobody was here, so it was special to have them here.”
The presence of her family was particularly meaningful for McLaughlin-Levrone, who reflected on the absence of loved ones during her previous Olympic experiences.
“It is special to know that your people are here and to have those moments you can look back on when you are back running and to have those pictures with family and friends whatever the outcome is, so I think those are one of those things I was missing. I did not medal in Rio and no one was there in Tokyo. This was my first Olympics so I am really grateful for that in its fullness.”
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Looking ahead, McLaughlin-Levrone has set her sights on an ambitious new goal: breaking the elusive sub-49-second barrier in the 400m hurdles. She shared her thoughts on what it will take to achieve this historic milestone.
“I also remember when Dalilah (Muhammad) broke the world record in 2019 and I was just baffled seeing the 52.2 and we have taken it so far, and I have to credit these ladies next to me for helping do that but I think it was an event that was not popular, but we made it very popular very quickly and I do think 49 is possible and I think the talent in front of you can do that and get better and find ways to lower these times that we thought for so long were impossible.”
As Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone continues to push the boundaries of her sport, she remains focused on her next challenge, motivated by the fierce competition and the support of her family. Her journey is far from over, and the world watches eagerly to see what new heights she will reach.