Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has never shied away from discussing the mental preparation that fuels her dominance on the track. Ahead of high-stakes competitions like the 2025 Prefontaine Classic, set for July 5 in Eugene, Oregon, the 25-year-old 400m hurdles superstar recently opened up about her strict pre-race routine. In an interview with FloTrack, McLaughlin-Levrone emphasized the importance of maintaining complete focus before stepping onto the track.
“Headphones on at all times… I don’t like to be disturbed,” she told FloTrack, making it clear that when race day arrives, she tunes out the world to lock in on her performance. For McLaughlin-Levrone, pre-race rituals are not about superstition—they are about creating an environment where she can enter what she calls a “flow state.” It’s a mental zone where distractions fade away, allowing her to visualize the race, rehearse each stride in her mind, and fully commit to the task ahead.
The reigning Olympic champion, who captured gold in the 400m hurdles at the 2024 Paris Games, admits that interruptions during her routine are frustrating. “It frustrates me if I have to take my headphones off,” she explained, adding that her inner circle knows to give her space when she’s getting race-ready. Over time, her coaches, teammates, and even media personnel have learned to respect her process, recognizing that her focus is part of what sets her apart from her competitors.
While McLaughlin-Levrone is known to be approachable and relaxed during training sessions, everything changes once she leaves for the stadium on race day. From that moment on, her mindset shifts completely. She becomes laser-focused, filtering out any outside noise, whether it’s conversations, media questions, or race-day chaos. Her pre-race playlist isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a tool that helps her control her mental environment, staying locked into her goals and maintaining emotional balance.
This disciplined approach has translated into historic results. McLaughlin-Levrone holds the world record in the 400m hurdles and has produced 10 of the 11 fastest times ever recorded in the event. Her combination of speed, technique, and unwavering focus has made her one of the most formidable athletes in track and field today. Fans on social media, especially on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), have praised her dedication, often referring to her as the “Hurdle Queen” and celebrating her intense discipline as a model for aspiring athletes.
As the 2025 Prefontaine Classic approaches, McLaughlin-Levrone is expected to once again deliver a performance that reflects her meticulous preparation. Whether she’s stepping into the starting blocks at Hayward Field or defending her Olympic title, one thing is certain: when Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has her headphones on, she’s not just listening to music—she’s building the mental clarity that helps her break records.