“People who receive this kind of honor are retired” – When Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone recalled feeling ‘undeserving’ of recognition after Olympic debut..

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once admitted feeling unworthy of the recognition she received after debuting at the 2016 Rio Olympics as a high schooler the youngest American track and field Olympian in 36 years. Born into an athletic family, with her father Willie McLaughlin-Levrone a former 400m U.S. Olympic Trials semifinalist, Sydney’s talent was evident early. She shattered age group and high school records before making headlines at the U.S. Olympic Trials, where her 54.15s finish in the 400m hurdles set a world junior record and secured her Olympic spot.

Though her Rio journey ended in the semifinals, her hometown of Dunellen, New Jersey, proudly celebrated her achievement, even displaying signs honoring her. In her 2016 memoir ‘Far Beyond Gold: Running From Fear To Faith’, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed gratitude but felt undeserving, believing such honors were reserved for those at the peak or end of their careers. “I had barely checked anything off my to-do list,” she reflected, feeling driven to achieve more to justify the town’s pride.

The four-time Olympic champion also revealed she deliberately lost her semifinal race in Rio a decision she later regretted deeply. However, she redeemed herself with remarkable success in the years that followed. After clinching double gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics defending her 400m hurdles title with a world record 50.37s and delivering the third-fastest 4x400m split in history for the U.S. relay team  McLaughlin-Levrone returned home to a jubilant crowd at Dunellen’s Columbia Football Field.

Overwhelmed by the support, she expressed her pride in representing her small but spirited hometown. “Seeing ‘Dunellen, New Jersey’ on TV brings me so much joy. We’re a one-square-mile town, but we pack a punch,” she said, reminiscing about where her love for track and field began at age 8.

At just 25, McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey from a young Olympian battling self-doubt to a world record-breaking champion is a testament to perseverance, making her a true hometown hero and an inspiration to many.