Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Getty Images)
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is entering a new phase in her life. The Olympic champion is preparing for motherhood while also thinking about her return to the track. Over the years, she has made bold decisions in her career, including switching from the 400m hurdles to the 400m flat.
That decision brought her massive success, including a national record and a world title. Now, she faces a different kind of challenge.In January 2026, McLaughlin-Levrone announced that she and her husband Andre Levrone Jr. are expecting their first child. The news quickly caught attention across the sports world. Pregnancy often means a break from training. The track and field Olympics winner has continued to stay active.
However, she has adjusted her routine to suit her changing body. Her focus now is on balance, health, and preparing for a long-term comeback.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone adapts training routine during pregnancy
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone revealed that her training routine is no longer as intense as before. She explained that her workouts have become lighter, but she still tries to keep some normalcy in her schedule. In a recent interview with USA Today, she shared that training now feels very different.
She said she is no longer pushing herself as hard but is still staying connected to the track in a way that feels comfortable.
She also spoke about the physical changes she is experiencing. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone explained that her body is adapting in positive ways, but her main focus is the health of her baby. She added that whether it is running or lifting, everything is now done carefully with her baby in mind.During the early stages of her pregnancy, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone faced constant morning sickness.
She admitted that it was a difficult phase, but she has now moved past it. Even so, she continues to take things slowly and avoid unnecessary strain.Before announcing her pregnancy, McLaughlin-Levrone had just broken the American record in the 400m. She clocked 47.78 seconds, beating the previous record held by Sanya Richards-Ross. This achievement came after she switched from hurdles to flat racing, making it even more remarkable.McLaughlin-Levrone is hopeful about returning to competition, especially for the LA28 Olympics after becoming a mother. She said she has heard about the strength and resilience athletes gain after motherhood. She believes the journey back will take time and patience.Earlier, she admitted that she had concerns about whether she would return at the same level. She wondered if she would still be as fast as before. However, she also shared that becoming a mother has always been her dream. She said this phase of life brings joy and a new kind of motivation.
