Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has added a silver lining to her career, following an exceptionally successful and unbeaten 2025 season. The American athlete was recently named the Female Athlete of the Year by World Athletics, beating her 400m hurdles arch-rival, Femke Bol, in the category.
McLaughlin-Levrone had an impressive season in 2025, during which she won the first 400m world title of her career, just months after transitioning from the 400m hurdles to the 400 m event. Despite the accolades, McLaughlin recently made an honest admission upon receiving the major World Athletics Award.
What Did Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Say After Winning the Prestigious Award From World Athletics?
Statistically, Bol has had a more successful season than McLaughlin-Levrone, winning three medals at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, as well as the 400m Diamond League title, compared to the latter’s two in Tokyo. However, McLaughlin-Levrone’s heroic exploits outside her specialization in the 400m hurdles event were a testament to her versatility and talent. Speaking about winning the award, she shared that she feels she isn’t the perfect candidate to win the prize.
She said, “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,” McLaughlin-Levrone added, reflecting on the concluding chapter of her season at the World Athletics Championships.
Further in the conversation, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed gratitude to all the other athletes nominated in her category and also selected for the finals.
McLaughlin-Levrone Comments on Her Offseason After a Successful 2025 Season
McLaughlin-Levrone shared a brief note on how she spent her offseason from the track, following a high-pressure athletic season that included the World Athletics Championships. Majorly, during this time, the 400m world champion has been seen in various events, including the 2025 NYC Marathon.
Shedding light on her offseason, McLaughlin-Levrone said, “I enjoyed my off-season a little too much. So, I’m gonna slowly get back into training now, I’ve been eating a little too much, but you have to rest.”
Amid her offseason, McLaughlin-Levrone also earned a major accolade as she was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame, in recognition of her outstanding track performances over the years. This moment was particularly proud in her life, given that her roots are from New Jersey.