Sydney McLaughlin's high school career has come to a close and what a magical ride it was including multiple national records, championships, and even an Olympic run in the 400 meter hurdles. However according to a recent ESPNW interview, you won't see her perform in the one lap hurdle race she's found so much success in during her first year at the University of Kentucky.
The young star will be taking a break from the event and focus on other areas she's shined in. "The coach [Edrick Floreal] and I have talked about it and I think I'm going to take a break from 400-meter hurdles my freshman season and go back to things I used to do, like long jump and short hurdles," McLaughlin stated in the interview.
After early success as a freshman and sophomore she had to shut down participation in the 55 meter hurdles, 100 meter hurdles, and shuttle relays after aggravating her groin back in 2015. ESPNW's article also followed up with UK Coach Edrick Floreal to confirm she won't be returning to the 400 meter hurdle distance until her sophomore season. An effort to ease her into NCAA competition.
McLaughlin's personal record in the 100 meter hurdles is 13.34, her 55 meter hurdle best a 7.60 en route to an 8.17 60 meter hurdle New Balance Nationals Indoor title. She also has a 20-07.75 long jump to her name, which won the Eastern States Championships this past indoor season.
Most recently in the soon to be shelved 400 meter hurdles McLaughlin lowered her own world junior record to 53.82. That time was out of lane eight during a quick final at USATF Outdoor Championships where three women went under 53 seconds led by Dalilah Muhammad's 52.64.