Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the 400m hurdles world record holder and four-time Olympic gold medalist, has stunned the track and field community by choosing to compete sparingly in 2025. Instead of racing the full Diamond League circuit, she plans to focus exclusively on Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track league and the World Championships.
Why this sudden shift? McLaughlin-Levrone aims to prioritise recovery and peak performance for the biggest events, a strategy supported by track legend Justin Gatlin. After breaking her world record twice in 2024 and defending her Olympic title, she wants to preserve her body and extend her dominance through the 2028 Olympics.
However, her decision has sparked controversy. Fans and experts worry that skipping key meets will rob the sport of its brightest star and reduce excitement throughout the season. Some believe her absence gives rivals like Femke Bol an advantage, potentially altering the competitive landscape.
Meanwhile, the Grand Slam Track series offers a fresh format, with athletes competing in two events per meet and accumulating points to crown overall winners. McLaughlin-Levrone’s commitment to this league signals a shift toward prioritising quality over quantity in racing schedules.
Moreover, as she prepares to chase a historic third Olympic gold, McLaughlin-Levrone’s selective approach challenges traditional expectations for elite athletes. Will this strategy redefine how champions manage their careers? And how will fans react to fewer appearances from one of the sport’s greatest?
Who is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Husband?
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone married Andre Levrone Jr., a former NFL wide receiver who played college football at the University of Virginia. After going undrafted in 2018, Levrone signed with the Baltimore Ravens and later joined the practice squads of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Carolina Panthers before retiring from professional football in 2020.
He has then transitioned into real estate.
Sydney and Andre met in 2020 and quickly bonded over their shared Christian faith. Their relationship developed rapidly, leading to an engagement in August 2021, just after Sydney won gold at the Tokyo Olympics. The couple married on May 5, 2022, in Virginia. Since then, they have supported each other’s careers and often share their journey and faith with their followers on social media.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s 2025 season could reshape track and field’s future-both on and off the track.
