The daily routine that has won Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone four Olympic gold medals & set 400mH record six times

The daily routine that has won Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone four Olympic gold medals & set 400mH record six times

Mark Kinyanjui 18:33 - 04.10.2024

Inside the daily routine that has made Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone a legendary hurdler at only 25.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the reigning queen of the 400-meter hurdles, is not only a four-time Olympic gold medalist but also a world record holder who has rewritten her own record six times. 

Following her recent gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 25-year-old has proven herself to be one of the most dominant figures in track and field history. However, beyond her remarkable talent on the track, McLaughlin-Levrone's disciplined daily routine plays a pivotal role in her continued success.

Since securing back-to-back Olympic golds, her schedule has been nothing short of hectic. She’s managed to host a run club with Girls on the Run International, appear on Thursday Night Football, and even show her versatility in the 200-meter race at a post-Olympics competition in Brussels. 

While McLaughlin-Levrone thrives in the spotlight, her secret to success lies in how she starts and manages her day as quoted on Well & Good.

Morning Rituals

McLaughlin-Levrone’s day typically begins around 7:30 a.m., though she admits her body often wakes her just before her alarm. “My body always knows,” she shares, noting she’s usually awake by 7:25.

 The first thing she does is drink a glass of cold lemon water, a practice she adopted after her nutritionist explained that cold water preserves more of the lemon’s benefits than hot water. “It helps reset my system and detox my body before I start the day,” she says.

For McLaughlin-Levrone, mental preparation is just as important as physical. After her lemon water, she spends 10 to 15 minutes reading the Bible, either through an app or sitting down with a physical copy. “It’s a way for me to center myself before the day gets busy,” she explains, highlighting the balance of spirituality and discipline that keeps her grounded.

Skincare Essentials

When it comes to skincare, McLaughlin-Levrone keeps things simple but effective. “I’m a pimple patch person,” she laughs, revealing that her morning routine often begins with peeling off her overnight patches. She has also grown in her understanding of skincare through a partnership with Neutrogena, and her current go-to product is the Hydro Boost Cleanser. 

“It’s super moisturizing, and I have combination skin, so it really helps keep things balanced,” she notes. Reflecting on her early days, she recalls first experimenting with skincare by borrowing a grapefruit scrub from her older sister, saying, “I’ve always been interested in beauty, but back then I had a really elementary understanding of it.”

Fueling Up for the Day

After taking care of her skin, McLaughlin-Levrone shifts her focus to breakfast. She typically enjoys two scrambled eggs with avocado, accompanied by a banana, and will add either bacon or oatmeal to the mix. 

“I love oatmeal because it’s long-lasting for my longer workouts,” she explains, emphasizing the need for sustained energy during her demanding training sessions. Her superfood of choice? Blueberries. “They’re super helpful for cognitive focus, which is especially important for hurdling,” she shares.

Track Essentials

Once she’s fueled up, McLaughlin-Levrone heads to practice, never leaving home without her two essentials: sunscreen and makeup wipes.

 “I’ve grown so much in skincare over the past few years,” she says. Given the outdoor nature of her training, sports sunscreen is a must, and the makeup remover wipes come in handy after sweaty sessions on the track. “I’m always sweating and getting dirt on myself, so I clean up whenever and wherever I can,” she adds.

This daily routine, balanced between physical preparation, mental grounding, and proper skincare, has undoubtedly contributed to McLaughlin-Levrone’s phenomenal achievements. As she continues to dominate the track, her commitment to discipline and self-care remains as strong as ever—no doubt playing a key role in her incredible success.

By maintaining this structured approach, McLaughlin-Levrone has solidified herself as not only a track and field legend but also a master of consistency and discipline.

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