by Larry EderRunBlogRun opines: I am impressed with Sydney McLaughlin. I observed her run her in high school and watched her run through the U.S. Olympic Trials and also the Olympics. Last weekend, at the Reggie Lewis Center, I watched her run a 52.32 and then charm the media afterwards with her thoughtful comments and support of her teammates.
Sydney McLaughlin, the battle over 400 meters, photo by PhotoRun.net
What makes Syndey McLaughlin so special? Her talent, her competitiveness, her focus, but also, her poise. There are many professional athletes, ten to thirty years older than her, who have never developed the poise Sydney shows in every outing.
If you have not watched this, please check out Syndey McLaughlin’s RunBlogRun Instagram interview post @NBIndoorGP : https://www.runblogrun.com/2017/01/runblogrun-interviews-sydney-mclaughlin-post-race-dmr-wr.html
I am looking foward to see her run the 300 meters at the Millrose Games on February 11. See you then!
Sydney McLaughlin Running at Top of Her Game
Heading Toward 300m at NYRR Millrose Games
NEW YORK, January 30, 2017 – High school Olympian Sydney McLaughlin of Union Catholic (Scotch Plains, N.J.) will have a prime chance to go after a national record in the 300 meters at the110th NYRR Millrose Games on February 11 at The Armory’s New Balance Track and Field Center.
McLaughlin’s stature as one of the greatest high school athletes of all time was further cemented on Saturday in Boston when she contributed to a world record in the women’s distance medley relay at the New Balance Grand Prix in Boston. Competing with three fellow, and older, U.S. Olympians, McLaughlin took the baton for the second leg of the relay.
“I’m so happy we came (here) and did what we wanted to do,” McLaughlin said of the record-breaking relay, which included Emma Coburn, Brenda Martinez and Jenny Simpson.
McLaughlin’s 2016 season was nothing short of magical as she broke a 32-year-old national high school record in the 400-meter hurdles at New Balance Nationals Outdoor in Greensboro, N.C. From there, she overcame the nerves and pressure of the Olympic Trials to run even faster and earn a spot on Team USA.
“This past year of my life has been a dream come true for me,” McLaughlin said. “To make the Olympics at 16 is something I never really pictured myself doing. I’m very proud of everything I accomplished and what my coaches and family pushed me to do, and it’s something I can always look back on and remember.”
McLaughin advanced to the semifinal round of the 400-meter hurdles in Rio de Janeiro.
“Being able to wear Team USA across my chest was definitely an honor,” she said.
Last November, McLaughlin committed to the University of Kentucky.
At the NYRR Millrose Games, McLaughlin will line up against a field that includes Olympic 400 meters champion Shaunae Miller and U.S. Olympic 4×400 relay gold medalist Natasha Hastings.
The national high school record for 300 meters is 36.96 seconds by Francena McCorory in 2006. McLaughlin ran a personal best 37.11 seconds at The Armory on Jan. 14, good for No. 2 all-time.
Media requesting credentials need to click on 2017 NYRR media credential request form and fill out respective forms. Deadline is Monday, February 6.
On Thursday, February 9 there will be a NYRR Millrose Games Press Conference beginning at 10 a.m. at the new NYRR RUNCENTER located at 320 West 57th Street, between 8th and 9thavenues. Athletes scheduled to attend press conference include: Matthew Centrowitz, 2016 Olympic Gold Medal in 1500m; Shannon Rowbury, American Record Holder in 1500m; Veronica Campbell-Brown, 3 Olympic Gold Medals in 200m (2004 and 2008) and 4×100 (2004); Katerina Stefanidi, 2016 Olympic Gold Medal in pole vault; Sandi Morris, 2016 Olympic Silver medal in pole vault; Natasha Hastings 2016 Olympic Gold Medal in 4×400; Omar McLeod, 2016 Gold Medal in 110 hurdles; and Dalilah Muhammad 400m hurdles.
Please RSVP to Nick Nicholas if planning to attend this press conference.
Go to NYRRMillroseGames.org to learn more about the NYRR Millrose Games and to purchase tickets to the February 11th meet scheduled for noon to 6 p.m. Follow The Armory on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @armorynyc or go to ArmoryTrack.com or Armory.NYC.
About the NYRR Millrose Games
With a storied history that spans more than a century, the NYRR Millrose Games is one of track and field’s most prestigious and enduring annual events. A New York City sports staple, the meet moved to the New Balance Track & Field Center at The Armory in Washington Heights in 2012 after having called Madison Square Garden home from 1914 to 2011. The Games–established by employees of Wanamaker’s Department Store–feature track and field’s most prolific male and female stars as well as collegiate, high school, club and youth competitors. More than 200 athletes share the distinction of being both Millrose and Olympic champions. In November of 2013, New York Road Runners became the title sponsor of the NYRR Millrose Games, which is hosted by the Armory Foundation.
