“It Was Frustrating”: When Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Opened Up About How Her Technique Faded After Leaving College
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is one of the most electrifying names in track and field today. Known for her breathtaking speed and graceful technique in the 400m hurdles, she has become a global sensation with multiple world records and Olympic gold medals to her name. However, even the brightest stars face challenges on their journey—and for Sydney, one of the most difficult transitions came shortly after leaving college. In a rare moment of vulnerability, she opened up about how her technique began to falter after turning professional, describing the period as “frustrating.”
This revelation has caught the attention of fans and athletes alike, shedding light on a rarely discussed aspect of elite sports: the often-overlooked challenges athletes face when transitioning from collegiate competition to the professional level.
From NCAA Stardom to Professional Pressure
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone first made headlines as a teenage phenom, qualifying for the U.S. Olympic team at just 16 years old. She later chose to run for the University of Kentucky, where under coach Edrick Floréal, her technical precision and performance reached new heights. During her time at Kentucky, she broke collegiate records and gained national attention for her almost flawless hurdle form and control over race rhythm.
But once she made the leap to professional athletics, the transition wasn’t as seamless as many expected.
“It was frustrating,” McLaughlin-Levrone admitted in an interview, reflecting on the early stages of her professional career. “In college, everything was structured. I had a consistent routine, coaching, and teammates around me. Once I turned pro, that all changed.”
Technique Takes a Hit
What exactly changed? According to McLaughlin-Levrone, it was the lack of technical focus and stability that made the difference. The NCAA system is known for its rigorous, structured training programs that emphasize technique, strength, and academic balance. Athletes have access to on-campus facilities, dedicated coaching staff, and a supportive community.
Once she stepped into the professional world, Sydney faced a different reality. There were more distractions, less structure, and the pressure of sponsorships, media obligations, and travel. While she was still training, the precision and repetition that had helped refine her technique began to slip away.
“My form started to break down,” she explained. “I wasn’t hitting my marks, and I started second-guessing my steps between the hurdles. That confidence I had in college—it started to fade.”
Reclaiming Her Craft
Fortunately, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone didn’t let frustration define her story. Instead, she used it as fuel for a comeback. A key turning point came when she began working with legendary coach Bobby Kersee, known for mentoring Olympic greats like Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Florence Griffith-Joyner.
Kersee reintroduced discipline and technical refinement into Sydney’s training. Together, they broke down her stride patterns, studied video footage, and rebuilt her race strategy from the ground up.
“With Bobby, it was all about going back to basics,” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “He reminded me that technique isn’t just for beginners—it’s what separates good from great.”
Under Kersee’s guidance, she went on to set the world record in the women’s 400m hurdles not once, but multiple times, including a jaw-dropping 50.68 seconds at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene.
A Message to Aspiring Athletes
Sydney’s journey offers an important lesson to young and aspiring athletes: success isn’t a straight line, and even the best encounter setbacks. More importantly, technical excellence is a continuous pursuit, not a destination.
By speaking openly about her struggles after leaving college, McLaughlin-Levrone has helped demystify the professional athlete experience. Her story is not just about breaking records—it’s about resilience, humility, and the determination to return to fundamentals when things fall apart.
The Takeaway: Technique Matters at Every Level
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s candid reflections serve as a reminder that even world-class talent needs structure and support to thrive. The technical training she received in college laid the foundation for her greatness, and its absence temporarily stalled her progress. Her ability to recognize that and rebuild speaks volumes about her mental strength and commitment to excellence.
In a world obsessed with results, Sydney’s story highlights the importance of the process. Whether you’re a young athlete, a coach, or a sports fan, her journey is a powerful example of how mastering the basics can lead to extraordinary achievements—even after a frustrating detour.