Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Clears Up Air on Being “Blind” After Confession About Her Track & Field Career: ‘Not Bad’
Even though track and field is currently in its off-season, it hasn’t stopped one of its brightest stars from adding yet another accolade to her impressive list. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has clinched the World Athletics Female Track Athlete of the Year award, underscoring her spectacular dominance throughout the 2024 season. McLaughlin-Levrone’s track career has been marked by numerous highlights, and her performance this year once again proved her unparalleled talent. Despite the challenges she faced—including an unexpected struggle with her eyesight—she delivered a formidable performance, securing a gleaming gold medal in the 400m hurdles at the Paris Olympics.
Throughout the year, McLaughlin-Levrone demonstrated her extraordinary prowess, choosing to compete solely in the 400m hurdles instead of attempting the double with the 400m dash. It was a decision that proved successful, adding another Olympic gold to her collection. However, the American hurdler has had to overcome more than just her competition. Recently, she opened up about her struggles with her eyesight, an unexpected challenge she faced throughout her track career. Despite the alarming confession, she quickly clarified that the issue wasn’t as severe as it sounded.
Hurdling Through One More Challenge
Life for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has been anything but easy, with every challenge only strengthening her resolve. As one of the most decorated athletes of her generation, with multiple Olympic golds and World Championship titles, McLaughlin-Levrone’s career is nothing short of extraordinary. The year 2024 was no different, with the American hurdler proving once again that she was among the best in the world. Her performance earned her the prestigious title of World Athletics Female Track Athlete of the Year, and on the red carpet of the event, she shared one of her biggest challenges—her eyesight.
In an interview shared on her X post (@sydmclaughlinle), McLaughlin-Levrone opened up about her struggles, stating, “I can see closer ones; far away is a bit blurry. So sometimes when I’m hurdling, I have to blink three or four times to see clearly before taking the jump.” The host of the interview was visibly concerned about her condition, but Sydney emphasized that while she struggles with distant vision, it becomes much clearer once the hurdles are close. The nature of hurdling demands precision—every jump must be perfectly timed to avoid costly mistakes or potential injury. Even the slightest miscalculation can lead to devastating consequences, yet despite her eyesight issues, McLaughlin-Levrone thrives.
She reassured fans by clarifying, “It’s honestly not terrible; I don’t want people to think I’m blind; it’s not that bad.” At 25, Sydney doesn’t want her eyesight struggles to overshadow her incredible accomplishments. Her positive approach highlights her determination to not let anything hinder her performance. Coming off the 2023 season, Sydney had something to prove—she had withdrawn from the World Championships in Budapest due to a knee injury, but it didn’t keep her down for long. Her performance in the 2024 season was proof that she was back and better than ever, dominating every event she participated in.
In Paris, McLaughlin-Levrone once again showcased her immense talent by winning gold in the women’s 400m hurdles and also contributing to the American victory in the 4x400m relay. Although she did not compete in a major 400m individual event in 2024, her participation in the relays raised some eyebrows—until she silenced all critics with a lightning-fast anchor leg in the final. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is no stranger to overcoming adversity, and this season was yet another testament to her resilience and drive.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Olympic Dream Nearly Getting Drenched
Winning Olympic gold is every athlete’s dream, and Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone achieved hers in Tokyo in 2021. However, her path to that elusive gold wasn’t without its own set of obstacles. The conditions in Tokyo were far from ideal. Rain poured down at the Japan National Stadium, causing chaos for the hurdlers during their training sessions and heightening the risks for athletes like McLaughlin-Levrone. In her book, *Far Beyond Gold: Running From Fear to Faith*, she recounts those daunting days and the challenges presented by the weather.
“There is a higher chance you can easily slip, crash into the barriers, land in a puddle, or lose your balance,” McLaughlin-Levrone described the risks of competing in wet conditions. Despite these hurdles, she remained focused and managed to claim her first Olympic gold in the women’s 400m hurdles—a moment that marked her redemption after being eliminated in the semifinals of the Rio Olympics in 2016. She credited her coach, Bob Keerse, for his unwavering support during those challenging times, attributing much of her success to his belief in her abilities.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s story is one of resilience, grit, and a refusal to let any obstacle—even one as fundamental as her eyesight—stand in her way. From her first Olympic gold to her most recent achievements, she has shown that nothing is impossible if you have the determination and drive to push forward. As she continues to rise and shine in the track and field world, her fans can only anticipate more incredible moments from this gifted athlete.
