In a significant announcement that will reshape the upcoming athletics calendar, four-time Olympic gold medallist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has confirmed she is pregnant. The 26-year-old American superstar, renowned as one of the world's leading track and field athletes, shared the joyous personal news via social media, indicating she will consequently miss a substantial portion of the 2026 competitive season.
A Stellar Career Pauses for Family
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the current world record holder in the 400m hurdles and a dominant force in global athletics, posted on Instagram, "Made a human with my favourite human," referring to her husband, former NFL wide receiver hopeful Andre Levrone. The couple married in 2022, and this pregnancy marks a new chapter in their lives together.
This development comes on the heels of another extraordinary year for the athlete. In 2025, McLaughlin-Levrone was named World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year for the second time, a testament to her sustained excellence. Her achievements included becoming the first woman in four decades to run the 400 metres in under 48 seconds, a feat accomplished at the World Championships in Tokyo.
Impact on the 2026 Athletics Season
The timing of her pregnancy means McLaughlin-Levrone is likely to be absent for much of the 2026 track and field season. While there is no World Championships scheduled for that year, her absence may extend to the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championships. This new, high-profile event is set to debut in Budapest in September 2026, offering record prize money, with winners slated to receive $150,000 (approximately £111,000).
Her planned hiatus follows a period of remarkable dominance. After years of ruling the 400m hurdles, where she broke the world record on her way to Olympic gold at Paris 2024, McLaughlin-Levrone successfully defended her individual Olympic crown. She further cemented her legacy by securing a second gold medal as part of the 4x400m relay team, showcasing her versatility and team spirit.
The athletics world will undoubtedly miss her presence on the track in 2026, but fans and fellow athletes alike are expected to celebrate this personal milestone for the champion. Her decision highlights the balancing act faced by elite athletes managing peak careers with family life, setting a poignant example in the world of professional sports.
