Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone may be known for her calm composure and record-breaking performances on the track, but even the most elite athletes are not immune to the pressures of greatness. In a rare and candid moment, the Olympic and world champion hurdler recently admitted she was dangerously close to burnout ahead of what would become one of the biggest races of her life.
McLaughlin-Levrone, a global icon in track and field and the current world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles, opened up about her mental and emotional state before competing at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon — where she stunned the world by smashing her own record and becoming the first woman to break 51 seconds in the event.
However, behind the scenes, her journey to that historic moment was far more complex than most fans realized.
“Leading up to the race, I was incredibly drained — mentally, physically, emotionally,” McLaughlin-Levrone revealed in a post-race interview. “I felt like I was running on empty. It was probably the closest I’ve come to burnout in my career.”
The weight of expectations, the relentless training, and the pressure to perform at an elite level had begun to take their toll. For McLaughlin-Levrone, who had been in the public spotlight since her teenage years, the lead-up to the World Championships was not just about preparing her body, but also preserving her peace of mind.
“Everyone sees the medals and the records,” she continued. “But what they don’t see are the moments of self-doubt, the late nights, the mental exhaustion. There’s this pressure to always be perfect, and it builds up.”
Her honesty was refreshing in a world where athletes are often expected to maintain a stoic exterior and push through adversity without complaint. McLaughlin-Levrone’s admission shed light on a broader conversation around athlete wellness, mental health, and the unseen struggles that accompany elite performance.
Despite feeling overwhelmed, she managed to channel that pressure into focus when it mattered most. In what many called the race of her life, she clocked an astonishing 50.68 seconds — a time that shattered her previous world record and redefined what’s possible in women’s hurdling.
After the race, McLaughlin-Levrone credited not just her training and coaching, but her faith and support system for helping her navigate the emotional challenges. “I leaned into prayer, my family, and my team,” she said. “That helped me keep going when I wanted to stop.”
Her transparency resonated deeply with fans and fellow athletes alike. In a sport where mental toughness is often equated with silence and stoicism, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s willingness to speak about her near-burnout marked a powerful shift.
As she continues to inspire with her performances and her words, McLaughlin-Levrone remains a reminder that strength isn’t just measured by speed or medals — it’s also found in vulnerability, self-awareness, and the courage to speak up when the pressure becomes too much.