Sydney McLaughlin Levrone, who has set the 400mH world record a staggering six times, has explained why she juggles as a pre-race ritual.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning queen of the 400m hurdles, has captivated the world not just with her record-breaking performances but also with her unique pre-race ritual: juggling.
The two-time Olympic champion and world record-holder shared the significance of this unconventional hobby and her spiritual journey in a recent appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Known for her laser focus on the track, McLaughlin-Levrone credits juggling as a key component of her preparation routine. While most athletes stick to traditional warm-ups, she finds solace and focus in the rhythmic toss of balls in the air.
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“Juggling is actually really good, number one for calming you down,” McLaughlin-Levrone explained. “It gives you something to focus on, it is really good for hand-eye coordination, and it is a really good party trick.”
This simple yet effective practice has become a hallmark of McLaughlin-Levrone’s race-day preparation, helping her stay centered and ready to deliver world-class performances.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s achievements on the track are nothing short of legendary. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she shattered her own world record, clocking an unprecedented 50.37 seconds in the 400m hurdles. Over her career, she has broken four world records in the event, becoming the first woman to dip under the 52-second and 51-second barriers.
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Her dominance extends beyond individual events. As part of the U.S. women’s 4x400m relay team, she has added multiple gold medals to her collection, further solidifying her status as one of the greatest track athletes of all time.
Off the track, McLaughlin-Levrone has channeled her life experiences into her best-selling book, Far Beyond Gold. In it, she opens up about her struggles with fear, identity, and the pressure of being a winner in an unpredictable world.
“I had struggled with fear my whole life, kind of just my identity in being a winner and obviously, that is not guaranteed in this life,” she shared. “I think I am very grateful to God for setting me free from that by way of Jesus Christ.”
Her faith plays a central role in the book’s message, as she seeks to inspire readers to find freedom and purpose through their spiritual journey.
“The hardest part is being honest with my past and my own insecurities and things that I did not do right,” she admitted. “But being able to show that with Christ, we are forgiven.”
McLaughlin-Levrone’s story is one of extraordinary talent, resilience, and faith. From her record-breaking feats to her thoughtful reflections in Far Beyond Gold, she continues to inspire on and off the track. Her journey serves as a reminder that greatness isn’t just measured in medals but also in the impact an athlete can have beyond the finish line.