BREAKING: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Makes History as She Wins the U.S. Sportswoman Icon Award 2025; Becomes The First Ever Track and Field Athlete Ever to Win the Prestigious Award

BREAKING: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Makes History as She Wins the U.S. Sportswoman Icon Award 2025; Becomes The First Ever Track and Field Athlete Ever to Win the Prestigious Award

In a moment that will go down as one of the most significant milestones in American sports history, Olympic and World Champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has officially been named the recipient of the 2025 U.S. Sportswoman Icon Award. The announcement was made earlier today at a star-studded ceremony in Los Angeles, and McLaughlin-Levrone’s victory is already being hailed as a watershed moment—not just for track and field, but for women’s sports as a whole.

With this honor, McLaughlin-Levrone becomes the first track and field athlete ever to win the prestigious U.S. Sportswoman Icon Award, an accolade traditionally dominated by athletes from tennis, gymnastics, and swimming. She is also the youngest recipient in nearly two decades, and only the second Black woman to win the award in the past ten years.

The 25-year-old hurdler and sprinter’s awe-inspiring performance throughout the 2024 season, her cultural influence, and her leadership beyond the track were cited as key reasons for her selection.

A Season That Redefined Greatness

McLaughlin-Levrone’s 2024 campaign was nothing short of extraordinary. She broke her own world record in the women’s 400-meter hurdles with a jaw-dropping time of 50.51 seconds at the World Championships in Paris—an event where she also claimed double gold, anchoring Team USA’s 4x400m relay squad to a dominant finish. Her performances stunned the world and reaffirmed her position as one of the greatest track athletes of the modern era.

But what set her apart in 2024 wasn’t just her speed—it was her poise, her purpose, and the message she carried with every stride.

“She has redefined what excellence looks like—not just in competition, but in character,” said U.S. Olympic Committee chairwoman Susan Barrett. “Sydney represents the best of American sport. She’s not only fast; she’s fearless, faithful, and forward-thinking.”

From Track Star to Global Icon

McLaughlin-Levrone’s impact transcends track and field. With a growing global fanbase, multi-million dollar endorsement deals, and a loyal following among young female athletes, she has steadily built a brand rooted in authenticity, humility, and empowerment.

Unlike many elite athletes who chase fame, Sydney has used her platform with remarkable grace. In 2024, she launched a youth mentorship initiative—“Track With Purpose”—aimed at guiding girls from underserved communities through sports-based mentorship, goal-setting, and mental wellness programs.

“Her influence is generational,” said Olympic legend Jackie Joyner-Kersee. “She’s inspiring young girls to believe they can be strong, spiritual, and successful all at once.”

Her unwavering Christian faith, her commitment to community, and her elegance in the spotlight have made her a role model far beyond the track oval. The U.S. Sportswoman Icon Award committee noted her “leadership in redefining the image of the modern female athlete,” stating that her win was “long overdue and richly deserved.”

An Emotional Acceptance

In a moving speech during the awards ceremony, McLaughlin-Levrone accepted the honor with characteristic humility.

“I’m beyond grateful,” she said, holding back tears. “This award isn’t about being the fastest—it’s about being faithful to your calling. I’ve always believed that my purpose on this earth is bigger than gold medals or world records. It’s about making an impact, using this platform to show others that they can rise above, dream bigger, and walk boldly in their purpose.”

She went on to thank her family, coaches, husband Andre Levrone Jr., and God for what she called “a journey that’s been full of grace, growth, and grit.”

“I hope every little girl watching tonight sees that you don’t have to change who you are to achieve greatness. Be strong, be gentle, be unapologetically you.”

Reactions Pour In

As news of her historic win spread, fans, fellow athletes, and celebrities took to social media to offer praise.

“Sydney is the blueprint. Period.” – Simone Biles
“This was HER year. No one deserves this more.” – Allyson Felix
“True queen energy. She inspires millions and does it all with grace.” – Naomi Osaka

Track & field organizations from across the globe also applauded the decision, with World Athletics calling it “a moment of long-overdue recognition for one of the sport’s brightest lights.”

What’s Next?

With the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo fast approaching and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics on the horizon, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s story is far from finished. Her coach, Bobby Kersee, has hinted at her expanding into more events, including the 200m and even the open 400m, raising the possibility that her dominance may only continue to grow.

Still, for Sydney, the focus remains clear.

“I don’t run for records—I run with purpose,” she said. “If that inspires someone else to chase their calling, then I’ve already won.”