After setting a new world record for the sixth time in the 400m hurdles and winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone celebrated by donning a tiara while carrying an American flag around the track during her victory lap.
In a post-race press conference, McLaughlin-Levrone, 25, revealed the personal significance behind her choice of headwear. “My sister-in-law brought the tiara,” she explained. “I didn’t ask her to bring it; she just decided to. I thought she was joking, but she was serious. It was a fun, family-oriented gesture to mark the occasion.”
McLaughlin-Levrone also expressed her gratitude for having her family present in Paris, a contrast to the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where spectators, including family members, were not allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions.
“It’s really special to have my family here,” she said. “After Tokyo, where no families were allowed, having them in the stands in Paris means a lot.”
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has expressed deep appreciation for her husband’s support throughout her journey to the Olympics.
“He is my rock,” she told NBC Los Angeles on August 8. “He’s my biggest supporter and a tremendous help. Having been a professional athlete himself, he really understands the demands and challenges I face.”
The couple’s relationship began publicly in December 2020 after connecting through Instagram DMs.
“We first interacted when he reached out to me via DMs,” McLaughlin-Levrone shared with The Knot in 2022. “We started as friends, and he invited me to Bible study, introducing me to a supportive and mature group of people. It was the first time I felt in a relationship where I was guided in my faith in a way that was meaningful to me.”
The world record holder shared with the outlet that there was an immediate connection between them.
“We both realized early on that we were interested in each other and had clear intentions,” she said.
“I would describe our relationship as very intentional from the start. In fact, I knew within the first few days of talking that it was something special.”