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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is one of the greatest athletes balancing profound personal beliefs with unprecedented success in track and field.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone shattered records and expectations when she broke the 400m hurdles world record at the 2021 Olympic Trials, marking a time of 51.90 seconds—a feat that made her the first woman to run the event under 52 seconds.
Yet, this historic moment was clouded by a surprising emotional challenge.
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19:30 - 03.09.2024
'There's still more in the tank- Lestile Tebogo reveals motivation before Zurich clash with Fred Kerley and Erriyon Knighton
Botswana's Letsile Tebogo is preparing for another major race in Zurich, facing top competitors Fred Kerley and Erriyon Knighton after Olympic success.
Days after her achievement, McLaughlin-Levrone released an emotional video where she revealed the lukewarm reaction from some around her.
"These are opportunities that you don’t get every single day. I felt like the people I thought would be the most excited for me literally almost didn’t even care," she said.
More than just a sports icon, McLaughlin-Levrone's trials extend beyond the track.
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08:30 - 02.09.2024
'Never thought I would see this day happen'- American sprint icon hails Jakob Ingebrigtsen's record-breaking run
An American sprint icon praises Jakob Ingebrigtsen's record-breaking 3000m run, highlighting the Norwegian's dominance in traditionally African-dominated events.
In her poignant video message, she expressed a sense of spiritual rejection tied to her faith, explaining that those dismissing her were, in her view, not just overlooking her as an athlete but also rejecting "Jesus living in me."
McLaughlin-Levrone's journey to this point has been marked by significant highs and challenging lows.
Rising to prominence after claiming the world youth title in 2015 and becoming the youngest U.S. track Olympian since 1980 at the 2016 Olympic Trials, she initially competed under the towering presence of then-world record holder Dalilah Muhammad.
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08:00 - 04.09.2024
Trinadian sprint icon defends initial dismissal of Letsile Tebogo & African sprinters from podium chances at Paris Olympics
Boldon wrote off Tebogo, Simbine and Omanyala before the Paris 2024 Olympics, stating he did not see them achieving a podium place at the games in the 100 meters.
The competitive environment was intense, and it was not until the post-COVID resumption of the track season that she began to truly dominate her sport, undefeated in every race since her 2021 breakthrough.
The athlete's experiences with societal acceptance and personal rejection were vividly expressed when she noted: "Our world only accepts ignorance and it hurts my feelings... There’s still always a problem with you... I know they don’t reject me, they reject Jesus living in me... I could do nothing to so many people and that offends them."
Moreover, McLaughlin-Levrone's stance on fame and respect reveals her maturity and the values she prioritizes.
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14:00 - 03.09.2024
'A new era dawns!' Usain Bolt welcomes challengers as young stars smash his records
Usain Bolt has embraced emerging sprint talents breaking his records, heralding a new era of personalities in athletics.
Despite the accolades and the global spotlight, she sought not fame but respect, emphasizing the disrespect she felt overshadowed her athletic integrity and the content of her character, influenced by her racial identity and public profile.
"I don’t want the fame. I would just like a little bit of respect... You may not agree with my message, but in the sport at the age of 21 to be a two-time Olympian and a world record holder, I would just like a little bit of respect, just a little bit," she expressed.
The resilience of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone to not only compete at the highest levels but to also navigate the complexities of public perception and personal identity highlights why she is an extraordinary figure in sports and beyond.
Her record-breaking run in Tokyo and her further triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she again broke her own world record, affirm her unmatched prowess on the track. Yet, it is her courage to live authentically, upholding her faith and calling for genuine respect, that truly defines her legacy.
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