Where is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone from? Hometown, college and more to know about New Jersey roots

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has seemingly exceeded every lofty expectation set for her.

The two-time Olympic gold medalist was a standout high schooler in the mid-2010s, debuting at the 2016 Rio Olympics as a 16-year-old. She became the youngest United States track and field athlete to make the Olympic team since 1972.

McLaughlin-Levrone runs the 400-meter hurdles better than anyone in the world, having won gold and setting a new world record in the event during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. She also captured gold in the 4×400-meter relay.

The 25-year-old is back for the 2024 Paris Olympics, running the 400-meter hurdles on Thursday, Aug. 8. She can grab gold in back-to-back Summer Games, solidifying herself as the world’s best hurdler.

Here’s all you need to know about McLaughlin-Levrone’s background, including her hometown, high school and college.

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Where is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone from?McLaughlin-Levrone was born and raised in New Brunswick, New Jersey.

The city is located in central New Jersey about 40 miles away from New York City. She was able to travel to New York for track meets at the Nike Track & Field Center at The Armory.

The Armory hosts a plethora of track meets throughout the year, including the Millrose Games and Nike Indoor Nationals.

Her hometown also put her in close proximity to attend the Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania.

McLaughlin-Levrone grew up with two athletic parents. Her father, Willie, was a three-time NCAA All-American in the 400-meter and a semi-finalist in the race at the 1984 U.S. Olympic trials. Her mother, Mary, also ran the 400-meter races in high school and was a team manager for the Manhattan College team, where she met Willie.

MORE: How many medals does the United States have at the 2024 Paris Olympics?

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone high schoolMcLaughlin-Levrone attended Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. It’s a private Catholic school about 20 miles away from New Brunswick, New Jersey, where McLaughlin grew up.

McLaughlin-Levrone was a two-time Gatorade Player of the Year in high school and debuted at the 2016 Rio Olympics while in high school. She became the youngest member of the U.S. track and field team since 1972. She turned 17 during the Olympics after debuting at 16.

She didn’t medal at the 2016 Olympics, though she became popular around the world due to her incredible high school times and Olympic qualification.

MORE: Which country is winning the 2024 Paris Olympics?

Did Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone go to college?Yes, McLaughlin-Levrone went to college. She bypassed becoming a professional runner straight after high school to attend the University of Kentucky. She won three SEC championships and one national championship in the 400-meter hurdles while competing for Kentucky.

McLaughlin-Levrone was one of the best runners in high school, college and now worldwide at the Olympics.