"Best sport in the world" - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone sends strong message while revealing ambitions for the sport

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone recently expressed her love for the track and field sport. McLaughlin-Levrone began her athletics journey at an early age after following her older brother and sister's footsteps.

She went on to become the first two-time Track and Field Gatorade Player of the Year during her course at the Union Catholic Regional High School. The American sprinter continued to pursue her dreams at the University of Kentucky, where she set a new world junior record. McLaughlin-Levrone posted 50.36 seconds in the 400m at the NCAA Division I Indoor Track and Field Championships.

McLaughlin-Levrone went on to compete in hr first Olympics at the 2016 edition, when she was only 16 years old. From her three Olympic appearances so far, McLaughlin-Levrone has won four gold medals. She also registered a world record in the 400m hurdles at the Paris Olympics with a time of 50.37 seconds. She has posted the world record in the 400m hurdles six times and once in junior category.

In an interview with World Athletics during her offseason, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed hr love for the sport, stating:

"Track and field is, I believe, the best sport in the world. I want to continue to show the world that we are some of the best athletes around."

Her latest world record was listed during the Paris Games with 50.37 seconds.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone makes her feelings known after winning the World Athlete of the Year award

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan. (Photo by Getty Images)

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was announced as the World Athlete of the Year on Sunday, November 30, 2025. She has been unbeaten in the 400m hurdles and 400m flat race for the last two years. In an interview with World Athletics, she expressed her joy and gratitude.

"I’m honestly blown away to win this. I don't even feel deserving to be honest, but I'm just grateful for this year and for the recognition it’s received. It’s been a tough season in a field that was so stacked with such amazing talent. I'm beyond grateful for how they've been able to push me to new heights.

"The culmination of the season in Tokyo was a really special moment. I’m so thankful for everyone who supported, watched, voted, and who was there throughout this whole process."

In her last race of the season, at the World Athletics Championships, she bagged gold medals in the 400m and 4x400m relay races.