After her dominant victory in Kingston, Jamaica, where she clocked 50.32 seconds to win the flat 400 meters despite challenging winds, Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is already shifting her focus to the next stop in the Grand Slam Track series — Miami. The American track star recently shared her thoughts on her preparations, mindset, and what fans can expect as she looks to continue her momentum.
A Strong Start, But Eyes on the Future
While her performance in Kingston was impressive, McLaughlin-Levrone remains grounded and focused on the work still to be done. The 24-year-old acknowledges that the Grand Slam series is not just about individual wins, but about consistency, adaptability, and long-term strategy.
“I’m happy with how I ran in Jamaica, especially considering the conditions,” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “But my team and I are already looking ahead. Each stop in the Slam is different, with different challenges. Miami will be no exception, so the work continues.”
Fine-Tuning the Details
Sydney revealed that her preparation for the Miami meet is focused on refining the smaller details in her race — particularly her acceleration phase and her ability to maintain form in the final 100 meters. While her 400m flat race in Jamaica showed she’s in strong shape, she believes there is still room for improvement.
“Even in a solid race, there are always things to tweak. We’re going to tighten up the start, get sharper in the transition phase, and make sure I’m finishing as strong as I start,” she explained.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach and training team are closely monitoring her progression, focusing on maintaining peak condition while managing recovery and travel demands.
Training with Purpose
For Sydney, every training session in the lead-up to Miami is intentional. From sprint mechanics to strength and mobility work, each element is designed to ensure she’s physically and mentally prepared for whatever event she chooses to run. The flexibility of the Grand Slam format, which allows athletes to rotate between different disciplines and groups, has given her space to explore new possibilities — a feature she embraces.
“I love the variety this series offers,” she said. “It keeps things exciting and challenges me in new ways. Miami might bring a different event, maybe even the 400m hurdles again, or something new entirely. We’re still making that decision, but trust that I’ll be ready.”
Mental Preparation and Staying Grounded
In addition to her physical preparation, McLaughlin-Levrone places equal emphasis on mental readiness. Between meditation, faith-based reflection, and maintaining a strong support system — including her husband, Andre Levrone Jr. — she works to remain grounded amidst the pressure of international competition.
“This journey is about more than just the clock. It’s about staying focused, being present, and trusting the process. Miami is another step in that journey,” she shared.
Fans Anticipate Another Stellar Performance
With Miami approaching quickly, excitement continues to build around what Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will bring to the track. Whether she chooses the 400m flat again, returns to her signature hurdles, or surprises everyone with a new challenge, one thing is certain — all eyes will be on her.
As she puts in the final touches on her preparation, McLaughlin-Levrone remains poised, focused, and ready to make her mark once again.