“Why I Almost Walked Away from Track” – Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Opens Up About Post-Rio Struggles
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 400m hurdles, recently revealed that she nearly quit track and field after her debut at the Rio 2016 Olympics. At just 17, McLaughlin made history by becoming one of the youngest U.S. athletes to qualify for the Games in track and field in over four decades. But behind the success, she faced overwhelming pressure that turned her passion into a burden.
In an interview reflecting on her career, McLaughlin-Levrone admitted that the period following Rio left her questioning whether she wanted to continue competing. “Running became a burden. I wasn’t sure if this was something I wanted to keep doing,” she shared. The mental toll of living up to expectations, coupled with the intense spotlight, took a heavy toll on the young athlete.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s experience highlights the mental health struggles many elite athletes face. After Rio, she wrestled with burnout and the feeling of being defined solely by her performance on the track. “I felt like I was losing who I was outside of the sport,” she said.
Despite the challenges, McLaughlin-Levrone decided to persevere, driven by her faith, family, and rediscovering her love for the sport. Her resilience paid off. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, she not only claimed gold but also shattered the world record in the 400m hurdles.
Her story serves as a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes are not immune to self-doubt. By opening up, McLaughlin-Levrone hopes to encourage younger athletes to prioritize their mental well-being and understand that stepping away or reassessing is not a sign of weakness.
As McLaughlin-Levrone continues her career, she carries the lessons learned from that difficult period, recognizing that balance and self-care are just as vital as training and competition.
