Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the brilliant track star making waves on the international athletics scene, inherits more than just her incredible talent—she's part of a remarkably athletic family tree. From NCAA championships to Olympic gold medals, each member has carved out their legacy, showcasing not just individual achievement but also the importance of support and encouragement within the family.
At 25 years old, McLaughlin-Levrone has already made history, clinching two Olympic gold medals during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics and gearing up to compete for more at the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics. Her achievements are monumental, but they often come paired with significant family ties.
Her father, Willie McLaughlin, is notable not only for being Sydney's dad but also for his own athletic prowess. With honors such as being a three-time NCAA All-American and reaching the semi-finals at the 1984 U.S. Olympic trials, Willie knows the world of competitive running well. His positive influences and shared experiences undoubtedly shaped young Sydney’s love for track. “Both of my parents ran track,” Sydney remarked during her interview with Women's Health, highlighting her father's legacy. "My mom was an 800 runner and my dad ran the 400, so it's the perfect mixture for the 400 hurdles right there.”
Then there's Mary McLaughlin, Sydney's mother, whose track career laid the groundwork for the family's athleticism. While Mary's record might not match Willie's, she was also determined and passionate about running. During her time at Cardinal O’Hara High School, Mary competed without many of the advantages seen today, inspiring her daughter to persevere and blaze her own trail. Reflecting on her upbringing, Mary disclosed to The Buffalo News, "I was doing summer track before I ever got to O’Hara, so it was just a natural thing for me to run on the men's team.”
The McLaughlin siblings all dove unreservedly participated in sports, driven by their parents' encouragement rather than any pressure to excel. From basketball to soccer and even dance, the family believed strongly in keeping the kids active and socially engaged. Sydney later expressed gratitude for this gentle approach, saying, "There was never any pressure or anything," which allowed her to discover her passion gradually.
Stepping back, Sydney’s older sister, Morgan, exemplifies how the family’s spirit is rooted deeply within athletics. Morgan McLaughlin was part of the track team at Union Catholic High School and later at St. Peter's University, contributing to the strong legacy of athleticism within the family. Every sibling followed the path laid out before them, making their marks on the track.
Yet the sibling who might have served as the biggest inspiration for Sydney was her brother, Taylor McLaughlin. Taylor, who ran the 100-meter hurdles, has set impressive records during his time at the University of Michigan, but it was his dedication and love for the sport—coupled with being just five years older than Sydney—that influenced her decisions greatly. “He kind of led the way for me,” she said. “Watching him be successful helped me realize I could do this, too.”
The youngest sibling, Ryan McLaughlin, adds to the rich athletic fabric of the family. Also engaged with track at Union Catholic, he ran several events, reflecting the family’s unwavering commitment to the sport. It’s clear—this supportive environment has cultivated not just one but several incredibly talented athletes.
Alongside this close-knit family, there’s another layer of support bolstering McLaughlin-Levrone: her relationship with Andre Levrone, her husband. Formerly known as an NFL wide receiver, Andre’s athletic background complements Sydney's impressive resume. The pair first connected over Instagram, showcasing how evolution and different paths can intertwine and produce something beautiful. Through their relationship, they navigate the demands of sports together, providing mutual encouragement as they both excel.
When Sydney speaks about her parents, there’s always warmth and appreciation. Their method of encouraging participation over competition allowed her to nurture her talent along the way. They nurtured her competitive spirit, but it was evident to them and to Sydney herself where her passion truly lay. “I credit them so much for how they handled my young years,” she shared, emphasizing their role not only as parents but also as guides.
Now with the countdown to the Paris Olympics ticking down, the McLaughlin family exemplifies what sportsmanship looks like. Their legacy is intertwined, with each generation building off the successes and experiences of the last, proving how family dynamics can shape and bolster individual achievements. And with each heat Sydney runs, she carries not just her dreams but the hopes and dreams of her family along with her, as they rally around her as she continues to break records and inspire generations to come.
From the dynamic roots of her family tree to her soaring successes, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone stands as not just Olympic gold medalist but as proof of the power of familial support, interests shared, and nurturing of personal paths. The richness of her athletic experience resonates beyond the stadium—it reverberates through the unwavering encouragement of those who love her deeply, forever holding her up as she takes her leaps toward greatness.