Sydney McLaughlin’s journey in track and field is remarkable. The American athlete has dominated the 400m hurdles, setting the world record four times and earning an Olympic silver medal for the USA in 2021. Yet, despite her success, she continues to face criticism—whether for her demeanor on the track or for skipping certain competitions. However, what helps her navigate this scrutiny is the unwavering support of her husband, Andre Levrone.
The couple appeared on the 34th episode of Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo’s podcast, where they discussed various topics, including accusations that Sydney isn’t fully engaged in the sport. Andre defended his wife, emphasizing her authenticity. “If she’s putting on a show, there are others who do the same, but she’s just genuinely herself. It rubs some people the wrong way—her glorifying God and being a humble leader,” said the former NFL player.
Addressing criticism about her lack of showmanship, Andre shared Sydney’s perspective: “Some say she’s ruining the sport because she isn’t a showman, but that’s just not who she is. She sees herself as a humble servant of the Lord, focused on her craft.” Their strong faith is a central part of their lives and influences how they handle negativity.
Sydney, once the youngest track athlete to qualify for the Olympics, has deliberately skipped several international meets, including Diamond League events in Monaco and Zürich, to manage stress. Instead, she prioritizes key domestic competitions such as the USATF Championships and Olympic Trials. While this approach has drawn criticism, Sydney remains firm in her decisions, acknowledging that she’s often called out for not displaying enough personality on the track. Even Andre finds the scrutiny surprising given the nature of track and field.
During the podcast, the couple also reflected on their experiences with anxiety. Andre described their shared journey as “intense, unique, and refining,” admitting that while he hasn’t personally experienced the night before an Olympic final, he feels like he’s living it alongside Sydney.
He also pointed out the unforgiving nature of track and field, stating, “It’s an individual sport. If she runs more than 50 seconds, it’s considered a failure. That’s a blink of an eye.” With her record of 50.37 seconds in the 400m hurdles, the expectations placed on Sydney are immense, making even the smallest margin of error unacceptable.
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