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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: Meet the athlete

Sydney McLaughlin, the current world-record holder in the women's 400m hurdles, will face stiff competition from fellow American Dalilah Muhammad in the Day 12 final. (Usa Today Sports, USA TODAY Sports)

At just 24, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has emerged as one of the top track and field stars in the world. Get to know her story.

How old is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone?

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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is 24 years old. She was born on August 7, 1999.

How tall is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is 5-foot-9.

Where did Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone grow up?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is from Dunellen, New Jersey. She attended Union Catholic Regional High School, where she became the school’s first two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in track and field.

McLaughlin-Levrone burst onto the scene in high school, placing third at the U.S. Olympic Trials in the 400m and qualifying for the 2016 Rio Olympics. This made her the youngest athlete to earn a spot on the U.S. team since Carol Lewis and Denean Howard. McLaughlin-Levrone didn’t reach the finals in Rio.

Where did Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone go to college?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone attended the University of Kentucky, where she won three SEC titles and one national title in the 400m hurdles. At Kentucky, she was named to five NCAA All-American teams.

Who are Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s parents?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s parents are Willie and Mary McLaughlin. Her father, Willie, is a member of the Manhattan College Athletic Hall of Fame and was a semi-finalist in the 400m at the 1984 U.S. Olympic Trials. Her mother, Mary, was a track star in high school in Tonawanda, New York.

How did Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone meet her husband?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is married to Andre Levrone Jr., a former college and NFL wide receiver. He attended the University of Virginia, where he racked up 864 yards and eight touchdowns during his career. Levrone went undrafted in the NFL draft post-college but signed a deal with the Baltimore Ravens. He then spent parts of three seasons with the Ravens, Panthers and Jaguars before retiring in 2020.

McLaughlin-Levrone has said the two met via a mutual friend and because Levrone Jr. "slid into her DMs."

What event does Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone specialize in?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone specializes in the 400m hurdles, 400m flat and 4x400m relay events.

Are Taylor and Sydney McLaughlin related?

Yes, Taylor McLaughlin is Sydney's brother. He is a World U20 Championships Silver medalist who ran track at the University of Michigan.