Sydney McLaughlin is an American sprinter who holds the current world record for the women’s 400 meter hurdles. McLaughlin broke Dalilah Muhammad’s previous time of 52.16 seconds by clocking 51.90 seconds at the US Olympic trials. In doing so, she became the first woman to dive under 52 seconds in the event.
McLaughlin lost to Muhammad at the 2019 World Championships, but is now heading into the Olympics as the favorite for gold. Sydney has broken record after record in her spectacular rise to the top. She traveled to the 2016 Summer Olympics as the youngest athlete to qualify for the USA track team for the Olympics.
Sydney’s parents were track stars in high school and college.
Sydney McLaughlin was born on August 7, 1999 in Dunellen, New Jersey to Willie and Mary McLaughlin.
McLaughlin’s parents were track stars in high school and college. Willie was a multiple All-American at Manhattan College and reached the semifinals in the 400 at the 1984 US Olympic Trials.
Mary was a track star in high school, where she excelled in the 400 and 800. Unfortunately, Manhattan College did not offer track for women.
Sydney’s parents introduced their sons to athletics but did not pressure them to emulate their successes.
John Munson/NJ.com
Willie and Mary McLaughlin have four children: Morgan, Taylor, Sydney, and Ryan. The parents introduced their sons to athletics, but allowed them to choose any sport they wanted to play.
“Everybody was into other sports like soccer and basketball,” Willie said. nj.com. “But we knew all along that they would get going. We started them when they were 8 years old. Morgan got things going and Taylor and Sydney followed in his footsteps. You could see right away that everyone had talent.”
All of the couple’s children demonstrated talent, but Taylor and Sydney outshone their siblings. willy said nj.com that the parents strove to create a pressure-free environment for the children. “We wanted to make sure they didn’t put pressure on themselves,” she said. “We are very proud of them.”
However, Sydney feels pressure to emulate her parents. “People expect you to break records and set a high bar,” Sydney said. “But I’m just trying to focus on doing the best I can, not worrying about what other people are doing and just having fun.” It’s safe to say that Sydney has more than lived up to the McLaughlin name.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn