Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has once again found herself at the center of track and field discourse — not because of her blistering performances on the track, but due to decisions off of it. Despite dominating the 2025 Grand Slam Track (GST) series with commanding victories in both the 400m hurdles and 400m flat races, McLaughlin-Levrone is facing criticism for what some see as a lack of engagement with the promotional side of the sport.
In the opening legs of the GST series in Kingston and Miami, McLaughlin-Levrone lived up to her billing, storming to victory and walking away with a combined $200,000 in prize money. But while her athletic performances have been nothing short of spectacular, her presence on social media — particularly Instagram, where she boasts over 1.5 million followers — has been surprisingly muted. According to critics, including Rio 2016 silver medalist FitzDunk, McLaughlin-Levrone has only posted five times about the GST series.
“She’s the LeBron James of track,” FitzDunk said on X (formerly Twitter), “but imagine LeBron barely promoting the NBA. That’s the problem. Her influence isn’t being maximized.” FitzDunk’s comments have ignited a broader debate over the role athletes play in promoting the sport that supports them — especially at a time when track and field is exploring new formats to engage fans globally.
McLaughlin-Levrone, however, has defended her approach. Known for her composed demeanor and commitment to balance, she emphasized that her limited social media activity and selective race schedule are deliberate choices made in support of her mental and physical well-being. “Not every battle needs to be fought online,” she previously stated, highlighting the pressures elite athletes face both in performance and public persona.
Adding to the intrigue, McLaughlin-Levrone has opted to compete in the 100m and 100m hurdles at the upcoming Philadelphia meet — a move that surprised many. Her absence from the 400m events, particularly a potential showdown with Dominican star Marileidy Paulino, has fueled concerns about the GST format’s ability to consistently deliver high-profile matchups. Fans have expressed frustration that the marquee names are not clashing head-to-head as frequently as expected, which could undercut the excitement and marketability of the new series.
Still, McLaughlin-Levrone’s star power is undeniable. Whether fans agree with her choices or not, her decisions continue to shape the conversation around modern track and field, influencing both its competitive structure and its evolving relationship with digital audiences.