In the world of track and field, respect and camaraderie often stretch far beyond the finish line. This week, Olympic and World Champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reminded us of that truth by sending a heartfelt belated birthday message to her former training partner and 2017 World Champion in the 400m hurdles, Kori Carter.
Kori Carter, a fierce competitor and a beloved figure in the athletics community, celebrated her birthday on June 3, turning 33 years old. Though the birthday passed a couple of days ago, that didn’t stop McLaughlin-Levrone from taking a moment to honor a fellow hurdler who played an important role in her athletic journey.
In a message shared with fans and followers, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed admiration and appreciation for Carter, highlighting not just her accomplishments on the track, but also the impact she had as a teammate and a motivator. “Belated Happy Birthday to the one and only Kori Carter,” she wrote. “You’ve always brought passion, fight, and light to the sport and to every training session we shared. Wishing you continued joy, strength, and success in everything you pursue.”
For fans of the sport, this moment was more than just a birthday shoutout—it was a reminder of the tight bonds formed in the pressure cooker of elite athletics. Carter and McLaughlin-Levrone trained together during some of the most formative years of Sydney’s career, pushing each other through grueling sessions, setbacks, and milestones. Their time as training partners helped sharpen McLaughlin-Levrone into the dominant force she is today, and it further cemented Carter’s reputation as a resilient and powerful athlete.
Kori Carter’s 2017 World Championship win in London was a defining moment—not just for her career, but for U.S. women’s hurdling as a whole. Her performance showcased her ability to rise above challenges, and it paved the way for future stars like McLaughlin-Levrone to chase greatness with confidence.
The warm message from Sydney serves as a beautiful tribute to a fellow athlete, reminding us that birthdays are not just about candles and cakes, but about honoring the journey, the people we’ve walked beside, and the bonds that endure beyond medals and podiums.
Happy (belated) birthday, Kori Carter. The track world salutes you—not just for what you’ve done, but for the inspiration you continue to be.