Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, widely regarded as the queen of the 400m hurdles, is beginning to map out the next chapter of her life—one that goes beyond medals and records. In a recent interview ahead of her Grand Slam Track debut, the 26-year-old Olympic triple gold medalist revealed that her career on the track may not stretch into the distant future.
“I don’t see myself running for ten more years,” McLaughlin-Levrone admitted, suggesting an exit before the age of 35. For now, her competitive fire still burns, with one target firmly in sight: securing an Olympic medal in the flat 400m at the Los Angeles 2028 Games. Yet, she was quick to emphasize that athletics does not define her entirely. “Track and field is not everything for me,” she said, offering a candid perspective from a world-record holder who has dominated since her breakout as a teenager at the Rio Olympics.
Much of her decision-making stems from a challenging past. McLaughlin-Levrone shared that her childhood was marked by relentless training schedules, often leaving her longing for ordinary experiences such as watching movies or enjoying snacks with friends. That early sense of burnout, coupled with the intense spotlight of Olympic competition, shaped her current vision: to mentor young girls navigating similar struggles, helping them balance ambition with well-being.
Looking further ahead, family life is at the center of her aspirations. “I would love to be a mom… raise a family with my husband,” she said, referring to former NFL player Andre Levrone Jr., now pursuing a path in ministry. Together, the couple has discussed starting a church, blending faith and service into their post-sport lives.
Whether her farewell comes after LA28 or earlier, McLaughlin-Levrone’s legacy will extend far beyond the hurdles. She has shown that even at the pinnacle of sport, it is possible to honor both ambition and rest.