Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Rise to Revolutionize Track and Field: The Journey Beyond “Individualized Sport”
Track and field—a sport where legends are carved with sheer grit and determination—has a new face of dominance: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. This powerhouse of talent and resilience has cemented her place as a frontrunner in the sport’s history books with two Olympic gold medals in the women’s 400m hurdles. Her unrelenting drive has shattered the world record an astonishing six times since the 2020 U.S. Olympic trials, her latest triumph coming at the Paris Olympics. Adding to her accolades, Sydney clocked an impressive 22.07 seconds in the women’s 200m event at the LA Grand Prix last year, placing her among the all-time greats. Yet, her journey extends beyond personal victories. Married to former NFL wide receiver Andre Levrone Jr., Sydney offers a rare perspective on two worlds: the isolated grind of track and field and the camaraderie-rich ecosystem of football.
Sydney recently opened up about the unique challenges faced by track and field athletes on the YouTube podcast Clearly Reformed. Speaking with host Kevin, she reflected on how track and field differs fundamentally from team sports like football and basketball. “It’s definitely a very individualized sport,” Sydney shared, highlighting the financial and logistical struggles athletes face. Unlike football or basketball players, who benefit from team-wide funding for coaching, therapy, and other essentials, track athletes largely shoulder these expenses themselves. Sydney considers herself fortunate to have a sponsorship deal with New Balance, but even that support doesn’t cover all her needs.
Moreover, the disparity in popularity and funding adds to the challenges. As Sydney pointed out, “Track is not as popular as football or basketball, so the funding is very different… a lot of people [participate] just for the love of the sport.” Her candid remarks sparked a broader conversation about the payment and recognition gaps in track and field, highlighting the financial struggles of athletes who often compete without much fanfare.
Despite the hurdles, Sydney is optimistic about the future of her beloved sport, thanks to revolutionary contests like Grand Slam Track (GST). Launched in 2024, GST promises a groundbreaking prize structure: four Slams with $100,000 for each event winner, creating a potential $400,000 payday for athletes in a single calendar year. GST also includes promotional opportunities for participants, marking a significant departure from the traditional track and field funding model.
Adding to this momentum, World Athletics is set to launch the Ultimate Championships in 2026, where winners will earn a staggering $150,000—more than double the $70,000 awarded at the 2023 World Athletics Championships. These developments signify a shift toward providing athletes with sustainable earnings and increased visibility.
Sydney’s role in this transformation cannot be overstated. As the first athlete to sign with GST in June 2024, her endorsement brought significant attention to the league, spurring conversations about equitable pay in track and field. Her enthusiasm for GST’s potential was evident in her remarks to Citius Mag: “It’s just going to be really cool to see that dynamic and see the sport grow in popularity… I’m excited to be a part of that.”
In her podcast appearance, Sydney expressed hope for the sport’s future, envisioning a rise in popularity leading up to the 2028 LA Olympics. Her determination to uplift track and field from its ‘individualized’ label exemplifies her commitment to not only excelling but also transforming the sport for the next generation.
