“Haunted by Dalilah Muhammad”: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Opens Up on Rivalry, Redemption, and Her Quest for a Grand Slam in Track

“Haunted by Dalilah Muhammad”: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Opens Up on Rivalry, Redemption, and Her Quest for a Grand Slam in Track

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the record-breaking American hurdler, is no stranger to gold medals or global headlines. But behind the triumphs and thunderous applause lies a story shaped by fierce rivalry, lingering shadows, and a relentless hunger for dominance. At the center of it all? Former Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad.

 

In a recent sit-down interview, McLaughlin-Levrone didn’t shy away from addressing the name that once haunted her steps on the track. “Dalilah pushed me beyond my limits,” she confessed. “She was the storm I had to weather before I could shine.”

 

Their rivalry one of the most iconic in women’s 400m hurdles history culminated in unforgettable showdowns, particularly at the Tokyo Olympics where Sydney smashed the world record, clocking 51.46 seconds and dethroning Muhammad. But the mental battles didn’t end with medals.

 

“Every time I step on the track, I remember 2019. I remember losing to her at the World Championships. That memory fuels me. It’s not hate, it’s fire,” McLaughlin-Levrone said.

Now setting her sights on something greater, the 24-year-old phenom is flirting with the idea of a Grand Slam in track a rare feat of winning titles across multiple major events including the Olympics, World Championships, and Diamond League.

 

“With new talents rising and pressure mounting, it’s not just about speed anymore. It’s about staying centered. Faith, family, and focus, that’s my trifecta,” she explained.

 

Her return to form has already sparked excitement in the athletics world. With a graceful stride and an iron will, McLaughlin-Levrone is eyeing domination in not just hurdles, but possibly flat races too an ambitious twist to her Grand Slam dream.

 

And as for the ghost of Dalilah?

“She made me the athlete I am today,” she smiled. “But now, I’m writing my own legacy.”

 

With the Olympic season heating up and expectations soaring, one thing is clear Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone isn’t just running races; she’s chasing history.