“I Sobbed Uncontrollably”: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Reflects on Emotional Moment After Losing to Dalilah Muhammad at the World Championships
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the track and field superstar, is known for her dominance in the 400m hurdles and her relentless drive to achieve greatness. However, one of the most vulnerable and defining moments of her career came not in victory, but in defeat—when she lost to Dalilah Muhammad at the 2019 World Championships in Doha.
In a candid interview, McLaughlin-Levrone opened up about the emotional whirlwind she experienced after finishing second to Muhammad in the historic race. The event was a showcase of two of the greatest athletes in the sport pushing each other to unimaginable limits, with Muhammad setting a then-world record of 52.16 seconds and McLaughlin following closely with 52.23 seconds—both breaking the previous world record. Despite her exceptional performance, the sting of defeat weighed heavily on McLaughlin.
Reflecting on the aftermath of the race, McLaughlin shared that she “sobbed uncontrollably” when she saw her father. “It was just overwhelming,” she said. “There was a mix of emotions—frustration, disappointment, but also relief and pride because I knew I had given everything I had.”
McLaughlin’s bond with her father has always been a cornerstone of her journey. A constant source of support and guidance, he played a pivotal role in shaping her into the champion she is today. Seeing him after such an intense race brought all the emotions to the surface. “I didn’t even have to say anything,” she recalled. “He just hugged me and reminded me that my worth isn’t defined by a medal or a title. That moment helped me reset my perspective.”
The defeat served as a turning point for McLaughlin, igniting a fire that would lead to her breaking the world record herself multiple times in the years that followed. By the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, she had not only reclaimed the title of world’s best but had also shattered the 400m hurdles world record, running 51.46 seconds—a feat that further solidified her legacy.
Looking back on that race in Doha, McLaughlin-Levrone now sees it as a stepping stone rather than a setback. “Losing to Dalilah was one of the best things that could have happened to me,” she admitted. “It taught me resilience, humility, and the importance of focusing on the process rather than just the result.”
McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey is a testament to the power of vulnerability and perseverance. Her openness about that emotional moment with her father not only highlights the humanity behind the athlete but also inspires others to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. In her own words, “Sometimes, it takes losing to find out how much more you’re capable of winning.”
