Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Sydney Michelle McLaughlin-Levrone doesn't just break world records — she shatters her own, again and again, in a sport where hundredths of a second separate greatness from immortality. She is the world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles, a race she has redefined with a combination of speed, technique, and composure that makes the impossible look effortless. She won Olympic gold in the event at both the 2021 Tokyo and 2024 Paris Games.

Born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in 1999, McLaughlin-Levrone was a prodigy who qualified for the 2016 Rio Olympics at age 16, becoming the youngest American track and field Olympian since 1972. She attended the University of Kentucky before turning professional and joining coach Bobby Kersee's training group, where she took her talent to historic levels.

McLaughlin-Levrone has broken her own world record multiple times, lowering the 400m hurdles mark from 51.90 to 50.65 — a progression that experts say represents one of the most dominant stretches in track and field history. She has also moved into the flat 400 meters, posting times that rank among the fastest in American history. Her faith is central to her identity — she has spoken openly about running for a purpose larger than medals and records.