“I Found the Nearest Bathroom and Threw Up” – Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Recalls Panic Attack Before Her First Olympic Trials Race
For many, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is the epitome of grace and composure on the track. But before she became an Olympic champion and world record holder, the young sprinter faced a moment of sheer anxiety that nearly derailed her dreams. Recalling the intense pressure of her first U.S. Olympic Trials, McLaughlin-Levrone recently revealed how nerves got the best of her before stepping onto the track.
A Moment of Panic Before the Biggest Race of Her Life
In a candid reflection on her early career, McLaughlin-Levrone opened up about the overwhelming emotions she felt before her first-ever Olympic Trials race. The stakes were sky-high—qualifying for the Olympics is a defining moment for any athlete, and for a teenage McLaughlin-Levrone, the pressure was suffocating.
“I found the nearest bathroom and threw up,” she recalled, describing the full-blown panic attack she experienced just moments before her race. The stress, the expectations, and the sheer magnitude of the moment were almost too much to handle.
From Panic to Podium
Despite the anxiety, McLaughlin-Levrone didn’t let the fear consume her. Summoning the resilience that would later define her career, she stepped onto the track and delivered a performance that stunned the world. She not only qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics at just 16 years old but also became the youngest U.S. track athlete to make the team in over four decades.
Her journey didn’t stop there. Fast forward to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021), where McLaughlin-Levrone shattered the 400m hurdles world record, cementing herself as one of the greatest athletes in the sport’s history.
The Mental Battle in Elite Sports
McLaughlin-Levrone’s story is a reminder that even the most accomplished athletes face mental hurdles. Anxiety, self-doubt, and pressure are common, even for world-class competitors. Her ability to overcome those emotions and perform at an elite level highlights the importance of mental toughness in sports.
Over the years, she has become a vocal advocate for mental health, openly discussing the challenges she has faced. By sharing her struggles, she has inspired countless young athletes to acknowledge their own battles and seek support when needed.
A Champion Beyond the Track
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey from a panicked teenager at her first Olympic Trials to an Olympic gold medalist is a testament to resilience. Her story proves that setbacks and struggles don’t define an athlete—how they respond to them does.
As she continues to dominate the track and inspire the next generation, her message remains clear: success isn’t just about physical talent—it’s about conquering the mind as well.
