Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, one of track and field’s brightest stars, recently showcased her dominance at Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track Series in Kingston.
As earlier reported by Chase Athletics, the 25-year-old sprinting sensation secured victory in the 400m hurdles with an impressive time of 50.32 seconds, earning herself a $100,000 prize as the gold medalist.
While event winnings contribute to an athlete’s income, long-term financial stability in professional sports often stems from sponsorships and endorsements. McLaughlin-Levrone’s partnership with New Balance stands out as a major source of her earnings.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s rise to track stardom
Before becoming a household name in track and field, McLaughlin-Levrone had already begun rewriting record books. In 2018, she claimed the NCAA outdoor 400m hurdles title and set a world junior record in the indoor 400m with a blistering time of 50.36 seconds. That same year, she clocked 52.75 seconds in the 400m hurdles, setting both the World Junior and NCAA records. Her relentless pursuit of excellence continued as she shattered the 400m hurdles world record six times.
Her dominance extends to the Olympic stage, where she successfully defended her title, further cementing her legacy. In 2018, she signed a lucrative deal with New Balance, marking a pivotal moment in her career both on and off the track.
The New Balance sponsorship
McLaughlin-Levrone’s association with New Balance has been a game-changer. Speaking about the partnership, she expressed enthusiasm.
“New Balance has a long-standing history as an excellent running company, and they are the perfect partner for me.”
“I’m thrilled to join the Team New Balance family, a brand that not only shares the same values and principles that are important to me but also supports its athletes on and off the track,” She added.
Her contract with New Balance is worth an estimated $1.5 million per year, a testament to her marketability and elite status in the sport.
As per the New Balance website Vice President of Sports Marketing at New Balance Ray Hilvert, lauded McLaughlin-Levrone’s arrival.
“Sydney is an amazing talent and has a very bright future. We are excited to have her join the Team New Balance family.”
Beyond financial incentives, New Balance provides McLaughlin-Levrone with cutting-edge gear tailored to her needs. The brand’s commitment to innovation aligns with her pursuit of excellence.
“We build innovative products for some of the fastest athletes in the world, and we look forward to working with Sydney as she continues to outrun the competition,” Hilvert explained.
Custom New Balance Spikes for a champion
As one of New Balance’s marquee athletes, McLaughlin-Levrone enjoys access to customized racing spikes designed to enhance her performance. During the 2024 Paris Olympics, she competed in the New Balance SC MDX V3, a state-of-the-art middle-distance spike engineered for lightweight speed and optimal traction. These spikes were part of her exclusive Signature Collection with the brand, underscoring the personalized support she receives.
With the next leg of the Grand Slam Track Series approaching (May 2-4 in Miami), McLaughlin-Levrone is poised to continue her dominance. Her partnership with New Balance not only fuels her competitive edge but also solidifies her position as one of the most marketable athletes in track and field.
