Sydney McLaughlin: Why romantic getaway with husband overpowers rematch with Femke Bol

© Sydney McLaughlin Instagram

Sydney McLaughlin: Why romantic getaway with husband overpowers rematch with Femke Bol

Festus Chuma 17:00 - 18.08.2024

The 400-meter hurdles champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is currently on a significant personal break, following her recent Olympic triumph.

Fresh from shattering her own world record at the Paris Olympics, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has decided to soak up some Greek sun instead of facing off against Femke Bol at the upcoming Lausanne Diamond League.

The four-time Olympic gold medalist, along with her husband Andre Levrone, opted for a well-deserved break in the picturesque locales of Greece, right after her monumental win in Paris.

McLaughlin-Levrone's whirlwind trip to Greece serves not just as a vacation but as a celebration postponed by intense Olympic preparations.

They celebrated her 25th birthday, a special occasion that had to be sidelined for the 400m hurdles finals in Paris.

On Instagram, Sydney shared glimpses of their holiday, captioning her post, “8 days late but who’s counting…25.”

The decision to skip the Lausanne meet, scheduled for August 22, appears to be a move to prioritize personal time over professional commitments, a choice that has sparked varied reactions among fans and athletes alike.

After Paris, the Lausanne Diamond League was shaping up to be a thrilling rematch between Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol.

Their rivalry has become one of the most watched in track and field, especially after their last encounter at the 2022 World Championships and the recent Paris Olympics where Sydney triumphed and Femke took third.

While some fans expressed disappointment over McLaughlin-Levrone's absence potentially depriving them of another electrifying match-up, others have shown support for her decision to take a break.

A post on X by Track Spice revealed that Sydney and Andre are “soaking up the warm vibes in Greece,” highlighting the athlete's need to step away from the track for personal rejuvenation.

This getaway to Greece with her husband, Andre, a former NFL star, underscores his role as her steadfast supporter since they tied the knot in 2022.

The holiday in Greece might be a brief respite for the couple but it is a poignant testament to the importance of balance in the life of an athlete.

With Sydney and Femke having run 17 of the 20 fastest times in history, their rivalry is not just about who crosses the finish line first—it is about managing the highs and lows of a career that spans beyond the track.

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