The date was August 8, 2024, and the atmosphere inside the Stade de France in Saint-Denis, just outside Paris, was electric. Spectators from around the world gathered to witness the much-anticipated women’s 400-meter hurdles final at the Paris Olympics. Among the fierce competitors on the track were some of the sport’s most elite athletes—Femke Bol, Dalilah Muhammad, and, of course, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the world record holder and defending Olympic champion.
As the athletes settled into their blocks and the stadium hushed in anticipation, the starter’s gun rang out. In an instant, the tension broke and the runners exploded off the line. McLaughlin-Levrone, positioned in lane five, quickly found her rhythm. With graceful strides and steely focus, she surged ahead, commanding the race with fluid precision. By the 30-second mark, she had taken the lead. When she crossed the finish line at 50.37 seconds, history was made once again—another world record shattered, another Olympic gold secured.
But it wasn’t just the American flag that Sydney proudly carried after her victory lap. As she celebrated her monumental achievement, she returned to the track not just as a champion, but as a queen—literally. Draped in her national flag, Sydney held a sparkling tiara in her hand. The elegant accessory was soon perched atop her head, crowning her the undisputed queen of the 400-meter hurdles. It was a fitting tribute to a performance that was nothing short of regal.
Fast forward ten months, and fans were still curious: what became of the iconic tiara? During a recent interview before the Philly Grand Slam Track meet, a reporter from Citius Mag couldn’t resist asking Sydney about the special piece of memorabilia. Her face lit up immediately, her smile wide and genuine. “I do, I do,” she responded joyfully. “It’s sitting next to my TV. It’s missing a couple jewels, so they’re probably floating around Paris somewhere. But yes, I still have it. It’s great.”
As endearing as that answer was, the reporter pressed further—how did it lose some of its jewels? Sydney’s response was candid and relatable. “It was a busy night,” she said with a laugh. “There was a lot going on, and I think just the hustle and bustle—putting it in bags and stuff—a couple of them fell out. But it still looks beautiful, still shining.”
Indeed, the tiara may be a little less sparkly than the night it first adorned her head, but it remains a cherished symbol of triumph. And the evening’s celebrations? Not surprisingly, they were centered around food. After all the glory and the media whirlwind, Sydney’s first celebratory priority was simple and classic—a cheeseburger.
Though a few jewels may now be scattered somewhere in the streets of Paris, the memory of that night—and the spirit it represented—shines just as brightly. The tiara may be slightly damaged, but Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s legacy as an Olympic queen remains untarnished.