Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone shared heartfelt insights on her rivalry with Femke Bol, emphasizing mutual respect and the sport’s evolution.
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has opened up about her views on her rivalry with Dutch star Femke Bol, offering heartfelt insights into their competition and the evolution of women’s 400m hurdles.
Both athletes delivered exceptional performances at the Paris Olympics, with McLaughlin-Levrone securing two gold medals and Bol capturing a complete set with gold, silver, and bronze.
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In an interview with World Athletics following her recognition as the Women’s Track Athlete of the Year, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed admiration for Bol and emphasized the need for respect among competitors.
“I think every athlete is focused on themselves, to be honest, because you still have to jump over those 10 hurdles. Obviously, Femke is a wonderful competitor, and there are so many women in our event that are just getting faster and faster. So, you always have to show respect for your opposition because you never know what anyone is going to produce on any given day," she said.
This sentiment highlights the camaraderie and mutual respect between McLaughlin-Levrone and Bol, even as their rivalry pushes the sport into uncharted territory.
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The 25-year-old American athlete regards this transformation as a privilege to witness and contribute to, seeing it as a shared achievement among competitors rather than a solitary pursuit.
Reflecting on the strides made in the discipline, she added:
“But like I said, it’s you against you. And you have to be prepared to be at your highest level when you step on the track, because our event is going to heights I don’t think any of us imagined – which is amazing because we are all just pushing one another to be the best. And I am really happy to be a part of this transition.”
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At the Paris Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone showcased her dominance in the 400m hurdles, delivering a gold-medal performance that etched her name deeper into the history books.
Yet, she insists her focus remains rooted in personal growth and consistency.
In a sit-down interview with Olympics.com in August 2024, she revealed how she approaches every race with a fresh perspective.
“You never really know what's going on. It's really just running all the way through the line. I did get a quick glance at the clock, so I was like, ‘Just get over this last hurdle and sprint through the line.’”
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Her ability to stay grounded while chasing greatness is a hallmark of her preparation and mindset.
Treating each race as a unique opportunity, McLaughlin-Levrone shared:
“I treat every meet like its own. So, this was my first time in Paris racing for this Olympic gold. I was just treating it like this was my first time here, and trying to go for it the same way.”
McLaughlin-Levrone’s impact extended beyond her individual brilliance in the hurdles.
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She anchored Team USA to victory in the women’s 4x400m relay, delivering a blistering leg of 47.71 seconds – a pace that cemented her status as one of the most electrifying athletes of her generation.
The team’s gold-medal time of 3:15.27 set a new American record and underscored her versatility as both an individual star and a team player.