Haunted by Dalilah Muhammad in the Past, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Opens Up on Facing Her & Others at Grand Slam Track

“Dalilah, you truly did just change the game for all of us.” Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s voice carried an unmistakable sense of admiration. “Seeing you break that world record after so long of it being there just inspired all of us.” The room had others—among them—but for a fleeting moment, none of that mattered. It was Sydney and Dalilah Muhammad, two of the greatest hurdlers in U.S. track and field history, bound not by rivalry but by respect. A little back story would help, wouldn’t it? 

Dalilah Muhammad had been the storm that Sydney had to weather, the veteran who pushed her limits time and time again. In the early days, Dalilah wasn’t just competition—she was a shadow, an obstacle, a relentless force that made Sydney question if she’d ever truly break through. But that moment? That moment wasn’t about past battles. It was about appreciation, about one champion looking another in the eyes and saying, You did that. And yet, Sydney knew. She knew what lay ahead. 

The flowers McLaughlin-Levrone handed Dalilah were real, but so was the fire in her own chest. Because in track and field, inspiration and rivalry exist side by side. The past is written, but what about the future? The future was still up for the taking. And for both of them, the future battle is set in Grand Slam Track. Well, Sydney had a lot of things to say about her approach in the upcoming track battle. 

Appreciation is all good, but what about the approach or taking things up in a new format? In the press conference before the Grand Slam Track, Sydney said, “You know, you get to see us in the hurdles. But just having this dual side of it of getting the fun opportunity to sprint is also just really exciting. I think it is us to show the whole athlete.” 

Tokyo 2020 Olympics – Athletics – Women’s 400m Hurdles – Final – Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, Japan – August 4, 2021. Dalilah Muhammad of the United States and Sydney McLaughlin of the United States embrace after competing REUTERS/Phil Noble

The report is developing…

The post Haunted by Dalilah Muhammad in the Past, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Opens Up on Facing Her & Others at Grand Slam Track appeared first on EssentiallySports.