Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone recently appeared on the Clearly Reformed YouTube podcast, where she engaged in an insightful conversation with host Kevin. During the episode, a thought-provoking question came her way—one that invited her to explore what sets track and field apart from other dominant American sports such as football and basketball. The 25-year-old athlete didn’t shy away from sharing her perspective and offered a candid look at the unique challenges faced by track and field athletes.
“Track and field is definitely a very individualized sport, compared to something like football or basketball,” Sydney explained. Her point underscored the stark contrast between the team-centric structure of football and basketball and the often solitary nature of track and field. While those team sports operate within systems that provide extensive support—from coaching staffs to medical teams and funding—track athletes are largely responsible for securing and managing their own resources.
For example, most of a track athlete’s income is tied directly to sponsorship deals, rather than team salaries or league-funded programs. Sydney herself is fortunate to be sponsored by New Balance, a deal that helps cover part of her athletic journey. However, she was quick to clarify that this support only goes so far. Essential elements like coaching, physiotherapy, and recovery programs are often left for athletes to fund independently. “Those are things I have to handle on my own,” she said. In contrast, athletes in the NFL or NBA are typically surrounded by a comprehensive support infrastructure funded by their teams or leagues.
Sydney’s comments opened the door to a broader discussion about the financial disparities in professional sports, especially within track and field. Despite being home to some of the world’s most gifted athletes, the sport continues to struggle with issues like limited media coverage, underwhelming prize money, and minimal exposure outside major global events like the Olympics or World Championships. Many athletes in track and field continue to compete simply for the love of the sport, often earning a fraction of what professional basketball or football players take home.
This pay gap, combined with the lack of long-term infrastructure and financial security, has led many to worry about the sport’s future. Track and field, once a staple of global athletics and Olympic pride, now faces the risk of fading further into obscurity unless meaningful changes are made.
However, McLaughlin-Levrone remains hopeful and has taken steps to advocate for change. When asked whether there’s a way to breathe new life into track and field, she pointed to an initiative she has been promoting since June of last year. While she didn’t go into the full details during the podcast, her involvement in this project shows a growing commitment to uplifting the sport she loves. Her efforts, paired with her platform as one of the most recognizable names in track today, could help generate the momentum needed to reimagine the future of athletics.
In sharing her experiences and reflections, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone not only highlighted the disparities but also gave a voice to many athletes facing similar challenges. Her advocacy could be the spark that helps shift the conversation—and the funding—back toward the world of track and field.