Olympic and world champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, one of the most dominant figures in contemporary track and field, has confirmed that she will miss much of the 2026 season — a development that sent ripples through the sport given her standing as a global star and record-setting athlete. The reason for her absence from competition next year is deeply personal and joyous: McLaughlin-Levrone is expecting her first child with husband Andre Levrone Jr. This milestone in her life means that she will take a break from elite racing in 2026, foregoing most planned competitions.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s decision was shared publicly via her social media channels, including an Instagram post in which she celebrated her pregnancy with the phrase “made a human with my favorite human,” alongside photos of her husband and sonogram images. At just 26 years old, she has already achieved more than many athletes do in an entire career — including two Olympic gold medals in the 400m hurdles and multiple world records — which makes her choice to pause and focus on her family both deeply personal and widely respected in the athletics community.
Her absence in 2026 comes in a year that, structurally, is lighter on marquee global competitions compared to a typical Olympic or World Championships schedule. While there are still events such as national championships and the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships scheduled for Budapest in September, without Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in the lineups, track fans will notice the absence of one of the sport’s most captivating performers.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s legacy already includes rewriting the history books: she lowered the world record in the 400m hurdles to an astonishing 50.37 seconds on her way to gold at the Paris 2024 Olympics, becoming the fastest woman ever in the event, and then transitioned to the flat 400m where she won the World Championship in 47.78 seconds — the fastest time run by a woman in nearly four decades.
Her dominance has not only reshaped expectations on the track but also helped raise the profile of women’s sprinting globally, inspiring a new generation of athletes. Her presence in any event instantly elevates the competitive stakes; fans and fellow competitors alike are aware that her absence in 2026 will be felt.
Despite this break, McLaughlin-Levrone’s athletic future remains bright. At just 26, she is expected to return to elite competition once she has started her family, with many anticipating her presence at key meets in 2027 and, importantly, a full campaign leading into the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. Her long-term training goals and race plans beyond 2026 have not been fully outlined, but it’s clear her intentions remain competitive.
The news of her pregnancy and season hiatus has been met with widespread support from fans, peers, and commentators within track and field. Many view McLaughlin-Levrone as a role model both on and off the track, not just for her performances but for how she balances elite sport with personal life choices. Her decision highlights the evolving narrative around athlete health, longevity, and the choices elite competitors make outside of their sporting accomplishments.
In sum, while the 2026 season will proceed without Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s electric presence on the track, it underscores a new chapter in the life of one of athletics’ greatest talents — one full of promise, both personal and, in due time, professional.
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