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"Called my parents begging for money" - When Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone opened up about realities of college life at University of Kentucky
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once opened up on the challenges she faced during her college life at the University of Kentucky. The hurdles star joined the University of Kentucky in 2017 after graduating from Union Catholic High School where she spent a year before turning pro in June 2018.
In a conversation with Matt from Hey Kentucky! in 2018, McLaughlin-Levrone reflected on her college experience, sharing the challenges like asking her parents for money and falling behind on laundry, just like any typical student. However, she also shared that she was happy with her decision because it allowed her to experience those things, saying (starting at 1:49 onwards):
“I've met some of my best friends here. Had those times where I called my parents begging for money, fell behind on laundry, everything that a college student gets to do that I wanted to be able to do. I'm really happy I made this decision.”
In addition to this, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone also spoke about her decision to not turn professional directly after high school graduation and her choice to join the UK, adding:
“I think the college decision was more of just being able to be a teenager, get the experience of being away from my parents and just have a little bit of freedom and be able to say that I took that step, you know, as I went up before I went pro. I think UK is the best step for me. The coach knows what he's doing, so just being able to be here and train with them definitely makes me feel like I'm right up there.”
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone expressed gratitude to University of Kentucky during Hall of Fame speech
After a successful Paris Olympics where she added two more golds to her Tokyo tally (2 golds), Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was inducted into the University of Kentucky’s Athletics Hall of Fame. During her speech, she expressed her gratitude to her former college, saying (starting at 1:05):
“I'm not going to act like it wasn't as it is for many college athletes all over the country, but I wouldn't change it for the world. Honestly, I would not be the woman that I am had I not attended UK, though with only one year under my belt I may not have a degree, sorry Mom.”
“I learned more than I ever could have imagined. It was here on this track back that I learned for the first time that 50 seconds was possible in the 400 hurdles thanks to coach Flo…. I learned what true friendship looks like and I learned how to do my laundry for the first time. I want to thank UK for propelling me into the career that I am so grateful for now and for taking care of me,” she added.
Alongside Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, two-time Olympic medalist Jasmine Camacho-Quinn was also inducted into the Athletics Hall of Fame for the 2024 class.
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