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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reflects on her time at the University of Kentucky after being inducted into their Hall of Fame.
Four-time Olympic gold medallist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was recently honored by her alma mater, the University of Kentucky, as she was inducted into the institution's 2024 Hall of Fame.
The 25-year-old track sensation delivered an inspiring and heartfelt speech, reflecting on her time at the university and how it shaped her journey to athletic greatness.
McLaughlin-Levrone, who had a stellar 2024 season highlighted by her world-record-setting victory at the Paris Olympics, spoke candidly during her speech at the ceremony.
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She acknowledged not only the athletic lessons she learned at Kentucky but also the personal growth and everyday life skills she picked up during her time as a student-athlete.
"It was here that I learned by watching other amazing athletes like Kenny Harrison, Omar McLoud, Leah Nugent, and Corey Carter, what it meant to be a pro and train like one. I learned what true friendship looks like, and I learned how to do my laundry for the first time," McLaughlin-Levrone said with a smile, drawing laughter from the audience.
The lighthearted comment underscored a central theme in McLaughlin-Levrone’s speech: her time at the University of Kentucky was about more than just athletic excellence.
It was also about the personal development and life skills that have helped her become the person and champion she is today.
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She went on to express her gratitude for the lessons learned, both on and off the track, crediting the university for helping her build the foundation for her career.
Reflecting on her journey, McLaughlin-Levrone added, "I’m beyond grateful to have been inducted into the University of Kentucky Hall of Fame. This place has given me so much—both the challenges and the growth. It was here that I truly understood what it takes to compete at the highest level, and I will forever bleed blue because of it."
The Olympic champion’s 2024 season was one for the history books as at the Paris Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone set a new world record in the 400m hurdles, blazing across the finish line with a time of 50.37 seconds.
She became the first woman ever to break both the 52-second and 51-second barriers in the event. Her victory in Paris added a fourth Olympic gold to her collection, following two wins at the Tokyo Games in 2020.
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In Paris, she bested competitors Anna Cockrell and Femke Bol, who recorded times of 51.87s and 52.15s, respectively, but neither could match McLaughlin-Levrone’s pace.
Her dominance in the event has redefined the sport, and many now see her as one of the greatest female athletes of her generation.
After her triumph at the Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone competed in several invitational races at the Diamond League Final in Brussels, maintaining her momentum as one of the top performers in athletics.
Sharing her experience on social media after the Hall of Fame induction, McLaughlin-Levrone posted a series of pictures from the event, including shots of her on campus and during her speech.
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She accompanied the images with a heartfelt caption, expressing her love and gratitude for the university and its fans.
"Once a wildcat, always a wildcat!" she wrote on Instagram.
"Beyond grateful to have been inducted into the 2024 class of the University of Kentucky Hall of Fame. Definitely bled blue while I was here, so much growth and adversity that led me to where I am now. Thank you to the UK fan base for always showing such love and treating me like family. Much love! Go cats."
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