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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has reflected on her faith and resilience after breaking her 400m hurdles world record for the sixth time.
Two-time Olympic 400m hurdles champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has made breaking world records seem effortless as she smashed her own record for the sixth time at the Paris Olympics.
The reigning Olympic champion has redefined excellence in the 400m hurdles consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the sport.
Speaking on The Jennifer Hudson Show, McLaughlin-Levrone opened up about her remarkable journey, attributing her record-breaking performances to faith and perseverance.
"Honestly, I always wanted to be a track athlete. I also aspired to be at the Olympics. So, this being my third Olympics, being able to break that [world] record for the sixth time, it's nothing short of God's grace," she said.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s dominance in the 400m hurdles started back in 2021 when she first broke the world record at the U.S. Olympic Trials, clocking an astounding 51.90 seconds.
The young star dethroned reigning Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad, beginning her own era of dominance.
Since then, the track phenom has consistently surpassed her own limits, culminating in a stunning 50.37-second performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, shattering the world record once again.
After her victory in Paris, the American athlete expressed her gratitude and disbelief at the magnitude of her accomplishments.
"Jeez. That was the moment, the moment you dream about as a kid, and when it comes real, you're just like, oh my gosh, this is real life and just a blessing. Super excited," she shared in a previous interview.
Entering the Paris Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone was the undisputed favorite, having already broken the world record five times.
However, she faced stiff competition from Netherlands’ rising star Femke Bol, who had clocked an impressive 50.95 seconds, making her a serious contender for the gold.
Bol, who took bronze in Tokyo, was determined to prove she was not far behind the American sensation.
During the heats and semifinals, Bol led the pack, clocking faster times than McLaughlin-Levrone.
But when the finals arrived, McLaughlin-Levrone once again rose to the occasion. In a dramatic race, the American hurdler surged ahead in the final 100 meters, leaving her competitors behind, including her own teammate Anna Cockrell and Bol.
McLaughlin-Levrone crossed the finish line in a breathtaking 50.37 seconds securing her place in history with a new world record.
Cockrell followed closely, earning a silver medal with a personal best of 51.87 seconds, while Bol settled for bronze with a time of 52.15 seconds. It was a race for the ages, as McLaughlin-Levrone not only defended her Olympic title but did so in record-breaking fashion for the sixth time.
But the 400m hurdles victory wasn’t her only highlight. McLaughlin-Levrone also helped lead Team USA to gold in the women’s 4x400m relay.
Running the second leg, she helped secure the Americans' eighth consecutive Olympic gold in the event, with a new continental record of 3 minutes and 15.27 seconds.
The team’s effort, featuring Shamier Little, Gabrielle 'Gabby' Thomas, and Alexis Holmes, was a testament to American dominance in the relays.
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