Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (© AFP / Getty Images)
World champion, the second-fastest women’s 400m runner of all time, and now a two-time World Athlete of the Year winner.
USA’s Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reflects on her successful season and looks ahead to the future.
Duplantis and McLaughlin-Levrone named World Athletes of the Year
On winning the Track Athlete of the Year Award at the World Athletics Awards 2025:
"Thank you so much for this award. I'm truly honoured and humbled to be receiving this, in a category full of so many amazing women who had outstanding years and performances. I'm honestly shocked to be receiving this, but I'm so grateful to World Athletics, I'm grateful to the fans who voted for me, for recognising this season and what we were able to accomplish.
"I want to say congratulations to all the other nominees and finalists and amazing performances that were put out there because this year was unreal to witness and I'm grateful I got to be a part of that, so thank you so much for the support.
"Thank you to my coach, to my husband, to my family, to all of my therapists, body workers, supporters and everybody who has been a part of this journey."
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reacts to her world 400m title win in Tokyo (© AFP / Getty Images)
On winning the World Athlete of the Year Award:
"I’m honestly blown away to win this. I don't even feel deserving to be honest, but I'm just grateful for this year and for the recognition it’s received. It’s been a tough season in a field that was so stacked with such amazing talent. I'm beyond grateful for how they've been able to push me to new heights.
"The culmination of the season in Tokyo was a really special moment. I’m so thankful for everyone who supported, watched, voted and who was there throughout this whole process.
"Thank you so much, World Athletics, for this honour and recognition. I’m sorry I couldn’t be there (at the World Athletics Awards in Monaco), but I'm grateful to still be able to share my thoughts and gratitude with you all.
"Thank you again to my coach (Bobby Kersee) for believing in me, for pushing me and continuing to bring me to new heights. Thank you to my husband for his support, for his love, for being my number one fan, and for being a huge influence in my career and the mental resilience he brings. Thank you to Malachi (Davis, performance director) for being there every single day and helping me to be the best athlete I could possibly be.
"Thank you to so many others who are behind the scenes – including my family – for the love, support and unconditional care that they’ve shown in this journey of track and field.
"Thank you to all the fans, thank you to World Athletics and thank you to my competitors for pushing me and being so amazing at what they do. I'm excited to see what the future holds for all of us.
"Track and field is, I believe, the best sport in the world. I want to continue to show the world that we are some of the best athletes around."
On her world 400m title win in Tokyo:
"I knew there were a lot of people doubting me with making the switch from 400m hurdles to the flat 400m, but ultimately, I had faith in my training. I knew I had it in me. It was just a matter of time. It definitely helped having Marileidy Paulino in the outer lane where I could see her, but I still had to get the work done. My coach told me to get out of the blocks as fast as possible, not to stay in it for long. I knew the girls were going to push me, but what mattered was to stay composed.
"I know I am one person running on the track but there has been an army behind me. There are hundreds of people helping me."
On her next challenge:
"It was a year of stepping outside of the comfort zone and pushing the bounds of what was mentally and physically possible. I hope to continue to do things that push the boundaries in the future."
