—it was a journey shaped by personal struggles, perseverance, and the unwavering support of those who believed in her, even at her lowest points.
Renowned as a dominant force in track and field, Sydney shattered records in the 400-meter hurdles, setting a new benchmark at the Paris Olympics with an incredible time of 50.37 seconds. Yet, behind the triumph lies a story of resilience. In her book, Far from Gold, she shares how her road to greatness was far from smooth. Leading up to the 2022 World Championships, she faced physical and emotional hurdles that nearly derailed her career. After taking a break following the Olympics, she struggled to regain her form, enduring grueling training sessions under the relentless guidance of coach Bobby Kersee.
Just as she felt prepared to compete, an unexpected pain stopped her in her tracks. She feared it was a hamstring injury, the same fate that ended her brother Taylor’s Olympic dreams. But the real culprit was sciatic nerve entrapment—a condition that required rest, not intense training. With the right recovery, she returned stronger than ever, breaking world records twice in a single year.
However, Sydney’s success wasn’t just built on physical endurance. Her late uncle, Russ, had always believed in her potential, long before she saw it in herself. Though he never witnessed her Olympic victory in Tokyo, his faith in her became a guiding force through her darkest times. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s story is about more than medals—it’s a testament to the resilience required to conquer the challenges that often go unseen.