Gold Medals? Check. World Record? Check. Engaged? All In A Memorable Year For Sydney McLaughlin
by Chrös McDougall
Sydney McLaughlin looks on after competing at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 on Aug. 4, 2021 in Tokyo.
Fresh off two Olympic gold medals and a dominating world record at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, hurdler Sydney McLaughlin has added another milestone to her memorable year: engagement.
Boyfriend Andre Levrone Jr. found a scenic spot at a Scottsdale, Arizona, resort to pop the question, a moment both documented on their Instagrams Wednesday. The accompanying photos show the Olympian both stunned and stunning in a coral silk slip dress as Levrone took to his knee.
In an adjoining post, which she addressed to “future husband,” McLaughlin described Levrone as “the most God-fearing, passionate, honest, loving, hard working, protective and genuine man I’ve ever met.”
“Till this day I still can’t comprehend how someone who posses everything I’ve prayed for, has finally come into my life,” she wrote. “Our growth together exceeds what the dates on a calendar show. I fall in love with you more and more each day off of the strength of your faith.”
The 22-year-old McLaughlin is coming off a historic performance in Tokyo, which was already her second Olympics.
In her main event, the 400-meter hurdles, the Dunellen, New Jersey, native pulled away in the final 40 meters to win her first Olympic gold medal, lowering her own world record in the process. In doing so, she had to hold off a similarly impressive performance from U.S. teammate Dalilah Muhammad, the reigning Olympic and world champion who ran the second fastest time in history.
McLaughlin later led off the U.S. 4x400-meter relay, handing off to the legendary Allyson Felix en route to another gold medal. She later described racing with the all-star U.S. team, which also included Muhammad and 800-meter gold medalist Athing Mu, as “a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Less than three weeks after her final Olympic performance, McLaughlin is moving on to the next life moment.
Levrone is a former athlete himself, having played wide receiver at the University of Virginia before spending time in the Baltimore Ravens and Carolina Panthers organizations. Although visitors weren't allowed in Tokyo for the Olympic Games, Levrone was able to cheer on McLaughlin at the Olympic trials earlier this summer in Oregon.
Later, on her 22nd birthday on Aug. 7, he shared his own heartfelt message.
“I have seen Christ himself dwell inside of you & as a result I have seen love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, & self-control flow out of you like a never ending stream,” he wrote in part. “Your gentle & quiet spirit beckons His presence into so many situations. YOU ARE WHAT A WOMAN SHOULD BE… & I am honored to call you my one & only.”
Chrös McDougall
Chrös McDougall has covered the Olympic and Paralympic Movement for TeamUSA.org since 2009 on behalf of Red Line Editorial, Inc. He is based in Minneapolis-St. Paul.