World 400m hurdles record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has given Jamaica a glowing endorsement following her successful outing at the opening meet of the Grand Slam Track series at Kingston’s National Stadium over the weekend.
The American star, who claimed victories in both the 400m hurdles and flat 400m, left the island impressed — not only by the level of competition, but also by the warmth of the crowd, the atmosphere, and the food.
“It was amazing. Great opportunity,” McLaughlin-Levrone said after her final race. “Just so excited for where this can go for the athletes and for track and field. Yeah, it was just a really fun first meet.”
McLaughlin-Levrone clocked 50.32 in the 400m on Sunday, fighting through a stiff -5 m/s headwind to take the win and solidify her place atop the series standings. That effort came a day after she won the 400m hurdles in 52.76, showcasing her trademark poise and power across both events.
“You know, I knew the wind was going to be bad,” she explained. “But when they told me it was minus five, I was like, okay, that makes sense why I felt like I was going backwards a little bit! But I’m happy with that for the first one. Just coming out of this weekend healthy and happy with the first two races. We’ve got a long way to go.”
Perhaps more than the races themselves, it was the energy from the Jamaican fans that made the experience so special.
“To be able to walk into a stadium you’ve never been in and feel so much love — it just makes it really fun to run and want to put on a show,” she said. “It was amazing.”
And yes, she’s already thinking about a return.
“I hope so. It was a great experience. Absolutely,” she smiled.
Now leading the Grand Slam Track series, the 24-year-old is embracing the unique challenge of balancing both the hurdles and the flat 400m this season.
“I think it adds a dual element to it,” she said. “It’s fun to switch from the hurdle mindset to the flat mindset. Overall, it just makes you a better athlete. I don’t think there’s pressure — it’s just about focusing on yourself and performing.”
Off the track, McLaughlin-Levrone was equally impressed with Jamaica’s signature hospitality — and cuisine.
“The food was really good! The seasoning was great — my husband had wings last night, so I’m going to go try those,” she laughed. “But honestly, the best thing was the people. Everyone was just so friendly and welcoming.”
With the next stops in the Grand Slam Track series set for Miami, Philadelphia, and Los Angeles, McLaughlin-Levrone has momentum, motivation — and a new fanbase cheering her on from the Caribbean.