In this week’s “Women Who Rock” cover story, track-and-field star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone opens up about her dramatic evolution from anxious teen phenom to confident Olympic champion to soon-to-be-mom.
The track star also stars in FN’s new “Icebreaker” video series, and she shared some opinions on shoe trends, her favorite orders at Erewhon and Wawa and the A-list actress who might play her in a movie.
What shoe trend would you ban?
“If you love this, do your thing. But for me, the Tabi shoe with the little knuckle. Can’t do it, wont’ do it!”
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Who would play you in a movie?
“Probably Zendaya. I sometimes get told we look similar.”
True or False: You can ride a unicycle and juggle at the same time.
“It is true. I haven’t done it in a while but it’s just like riding a bike, you always know how to get back on and do it.”
You live in L.A. and are a New Jersey native. What is your go-to order at Erewhon and what about Wawa?
“Erewhon, I would say the Korean short ribs with rice and broccolini. At Wawa, it’s literally just chicken tenders and fries. Take your pick. Both are great.”
What are some superstitious rituals you follow?
“I bring the same blanket to every track meet. It’s a minions blanket. No judgment please! I’ve had it since I was 15. And I eat gummy bears before or after the race.”
How would you describe your maternity style?
“Comfortable. Oversized. Sweat pants. That all kind of covers it. A lot of the clothes I normally wear don’t fit so that’s been humbling. But it’s been great. Love her, it’s wonderful.”
As the track star preps for her big arrival next month, she marveled at the baby’s growing collection of outfits.
“I’ve never been a pink person but having a daughter is making me more open to the idea of it. There’s a lot of pink in my house right now. I have so many outfits. She has eight or nine pairs of New Balance shoes already,” said the athlete, who has broken her own world record in the 400-meter hurdles an astounding five times.
McLaughlin-Levrone also talks about how her husband, former NFL wide receiver Andre Levrone Jr., is going to be the ultimate girl dad. “She’s going to be obsessed with him. I’m going to have to work hard to get love. Andre is such a caring person who loves very deeply and wants everyone to have the best in whatever they’re doing.”