“No One Becomes a Track and Field Athlete for the Money”: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on What Draws Athletes to the Sport
When it comes to sports that are synonymous with glamour and riches, track and field doesn’t often make the list. Football, basketball, and tennis are known for offering lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and fame. However, for most track and field athletes, the allure is not financial. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the 2021 Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 400m hurdles, has openly discussed what pulls her and other athletes into the sport, and it’s not the promise of wealth.
In an interview after her stunning performances, McLaughlin-Levrone highlighted a stark reality: “No one becomes a track and field athlete for the money.” Her words resonate deeply within a sport that lacks the monetary incentives of more mainstream athletic pursuits. While her success has brought her sponsorship deals and international recognition, McLaughlin-Levrone emphasized that the passion for track and field goes far beyond financial rewards.
The Driving Force: Love for the Sport
At the core of McLaughlin-Levrone’s message is the idea that athletes in track and field are driven by something far more intrinsic: the pure love of running, jumping, and competing. Track and field is one of the oldest and most fundamental athletic disciplines, requiring a unique blend of physical endurance, speed, mental toughness, and technique. The challenge of pushing the human body to its limits in the simplest, most primal ways—through running, throwing, and leaping—fuels many athletes’ dedication.
For McLaughlin-Levrone, the sport’s beauty lies in its simplicity. Unlike team sports, where victory is often a collective effort, track and field is highly individualistic. Every time an athlete steps onto the track, the competition is against themselves as much as their rivals. “It’s just you, the track, and the clock,” she explained. This solitude and self-reliance are what captivate many athletes and push them to strive for greatness, regardless of financial reward.
Track and Field: A Testing Ground for Human Potential
Track and field athletes are often drawn by the opportunity to test the outer limits of human performance. From running faster than anyone else on the planet to throwing a javelin farther than anyone has ever seen, the sport offers a unique arena for athletes to push boundaries.
For McLaughlin-Levrone, the pursuit of excellence in track and field is about continuous self-improvement. The drive to shave milliseconds off a personal best, or to clear one more hurdle, is what keeps her motivated. “You don’t do it for the money; you do it because it’s what you love, and because you want to be better every time,” she said. This deep connection to personal achievement and growth resonates with athletes across the sport.
The Financial Reality of Track and Field
While athletes like McLaughlin-Levrone may eventually secure sponsorship deals or earn prize money from high-profile competitions, the majority of track and field athletes struggle to make a sustainable income. Many rely on secondary jobs or endorsements to support their training and competition expenses. Even at the highest levels, outside the marquee events like the Olympics or World Championships, track and field lacks the massive media contracts or league structures that deliver steady income for athletes in other sports.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s candid acknowledgment of this financial reality underscores her point: athletes in this sport are driven by passion, not paychecks. Yet, even with this understanding, the competitive spirit and camaraderie in track and field persist. Athletes support each other in training and during meets, bonded by a shared understanding of the sacrifices and dedication it takes to succeed.
The Power of Legacy
For McLaughlin-Levrone and others, the motivation to leave a lasting legacy often outweighs any financial incentive. The records set in track and field stand the test of time, immortalizing athletes’ achievements in history. From legends like Usain Bolt to Carl Lewis, those who dominate the sport are remembered for their exceptional physical feats, not their bank accounts.
McLaughlin-Levrone is already well on her way to cementing her legacy in the sport, and she’s acutely aware of what drives her. “I want to inspire others, to show them what’s possible when you dedicate yourself to something,” she remarked. For her, the ultimate goal is to continue pushing boundaries and inspire future generations of athletes to pursue track and field, not for the money, but for the love of competition, self-improvement, and the sport itself.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s reflections on track and field highlight a truth that resonates throughout the athletic world: passion, dedication, and a love for the sport are often stronger motivators than financial gain. Track and field, one of the most demanding and raw sports, attracts athletes not for the wealth it provides, but for the personal challenges it presents. For McLaughlin-Levrone, and many others, it’s not about the money—it’s about the pursuit of greatness, one race at a time.
