Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the four-time Olympic champion and reigning 400-meter hurdles world record holder, offered a candid and relatable glimpse into her life post-competition, emphasizing that even the fastest woman on the planet needs to hit the brakes. Following a monumental 2025 season that saw her conquer a brand new event, the track and field star has been embracing a well-deserved downtime, even admitting to some seasonal indulgences.
“I enjoyed my off-season a little too much,” the four-time Olympic gold medallist confessed to FOX 5 NY regarding her break from the track. With a smile, the U.S. athlete added the relatable sentiment that resonates with high-performance athletes and everyday people alike: “So, I’m gonna slowly get back into training now. I’ve been eating a little too much, but you have to rest.”
From World Records to Wearable Art
McLaughlin-Levrone’s post-season downtime has been far from idle, showcasing a creative side that balances her hyper-disciplined life on the track. The 26-year-old has been finding joy and creative expression in artistic pursuits, namely jewellery making and pottery. These activities offer a necessary mental and physical respite, allowing her to recharge the batteries required for the grueling demands of elite athletics.
The need for this period of rest follows a year of major competitive upheaval and success. After already establishing herself as the world’s best in the 400m hurdles—an event where she holds the world record—McLaughlin-Levrone executed a strategic change of direction for 2025, shifting her primary focus to the 400-meter flat race.
A Historic New Chapter in Tokyo
The calculated risk paid off spectacularly. In her debut at the global championship level for the one-lap sprint, McLaughlin-Levrone claimed the World Championship title in Japan’s capital. At the National Stadium in Tokyo, the same venue where she won her first two Olympic gold medals at Tokyo 2020, she delivered a performance for the ages.
Her winning time of 47.78 seconds not only secured the gold medal but also established a new North American record, making her the second-fastest woman in history over the distance. Furthermore, the victory cemented her status as the first athlete in history to win world titles in both the 400m flat and the 400m hurdles—a monumental achievement of speed and versatility. She also added another gold to her collection by anchoring the Team USA 4x400m relay squad.
Honors and Future Prospects
Beyond the track, McLaughlin-Levrone was also recently honored as a New Jersey Hall of Fame inductee, joining fellow state legends like former ice hockey star Martin Brodeur and the Jonas Brothers. The recognition highlights the immense impact she has had, not just on global athletics, but on her local community.
While her precise plans for the 2026 season are currently under wraps, her off-season indulgence and artistic focus are clearly nearing an end. The allure of the 400m flat world record mark of 47.60 remains an enticing prospect, and fans are eagerly anticipating her return to the track to see if she can once again shatter barriers and etch her name deeper into the annals of sports history.