400m Record Holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Announces Pregnancy
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, a prominent figure in athletics, has shared some exciting news: she is pregnant. The reigning 400-meter world champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist made her announcement on Instagram, delighting fans with a heartfelt message. In her post, she expressed her joy, stating, “Made a human with my favourite human,” alongside a lovely beach photoshoot featuring her and her husband, former NFL player Andre Levrone Jr.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Athletic Achievements
At only 28 years of age, McLaughlin-Levrone boasts an impressive athletic resume. She won gold in the 400m at the Tokyo Olympics in September 2021, setting a championship record with a time of 47.78 seconds. This remarkable performance marks the fastest women’s one-lap time in 40 years, surpassing Marita Koch’s long-standing record of 47.60 seconds set in 1985.
Her Olympic victory made her the first athlete to become a world champion in both the flat 400m and the 400m hurdles. McLaughlin-Levrone had primarily focused on the 400m hurdles since turning professional in 2016. During her career, she has secured two Olympic titles, one World Championship gold medal, and shattered six world records, including the stunning 50.37 seconds set at the Paris Olympics in August 2024.
Current and Upcoming Competitions
This year, 2026, is relatively quiet in competitive terms for McLaughlin-Levrone. The World Indoor Championships will happen in Poland this March, an event she typically skips. Additionally, she is qualified for the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships in Budapest in September. This new event provides a platform for the top athletes during an ‘off’ year without the Olympics or World Championships.
- World Indoor Championships – March 2026, Poland
- World Athletics Ultimate Championships – September 2026, Budapest
- Next World Championships – September 2027, Beijing, China
- Los Angeles Olympics – 2028
Despite her qualifications in both the 400m hurdles and 400m, McLaughlin-Levrone is not expected to compete this season. This absence opens opportunities for other athletes within the U.S. 400m team. Notably, she remains one of only nine American women to break the prestigious 50-second barrier in one lap since 2024.
Among her contemporaries, Aaliyah Butler recorded a time of 49.09 seconds, having previously attended the University of Georgia. Furthermore, Olympic 200m champion Gabby Thomas has also shown significant prowess in the 400m distance.
As McLaughlin-Levrone embarks on this new chapter of motherhood, her legacy in athletics continues to inspire many.
