She is the queen of the 400m hurdles, world record holder and four-time Olympic gold medalist. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is known as one of the best track and field athletes of all time, and she has the numbers to prove it: She set (and beat) her 100% six times world record.
Since winning her second consecutive Olympic gold medal in the iconic race in Paris, McLaughlin-Lefrone’s schedule has hardly slowed down: She hosts a running club with Girls on the Run International, appears in “Thursday Night Football” and proved his prowess in the 200m in the 200m at the post-Olympic Games in Brussels.
It’s safe to say that the 25-year-old is no stranger to success and discipline on the track. When it comes to self-care, McLaughlin-Lefron takes it equally seriously. How the track star starts her day.
She usually wakes up before her alarm goes off
On a normal training day I wake up around 7:30am, I can wake up before my alarm and my body always knows. So usually around 7:25. The first thing I always do is drink a glass of lemon water. I used to drink hot lemon water, but my nutritionist explained to me that it destroyed the benefits of the lemon, so I drank cold lemon water. It helps reset my system and detoxify my body before I start my day.
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She dedicated her time to her faith
I read my Bible, either on a Bible app or sitting down to read, depending on how much time I have. I read between 10 and 15 minutes. Then I start getting ready for the day.
Her skincare routine starts the night before
I am an acne person. So I usually peel them all off in the morning before I start doing anything. I am [also] People who go out with acne patches. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Cleanser is also really helpful – it’s super hydrating and I have combination skin.
The first skincare product I tried was the Grapefruit Scrub. I stole this from my sister who is five years older than me. I’ve always been interested in beauty and skincare, but I feel like I’ve really scratched the surface of it. So it’s cool to work with Neutrogena and understand the science behind it.
McLaughlin-Lefrone fuels your body with superfoods
For breakfast I usually have two scrambled eggs and avocado. I would bring a banana and have bacon or oatmeal. I love oatmeal because it’s long-lasting for those long workouts I need energy for – and my superfood is blueberries. They are very helpful in focusing your cognition, especially over hurdles.
She always goes to the track with two important items in her bag
There are two things I always bring with me when I go to training: sunscreen and makeup wipes. I have come a long way with my skin care over the past few years. I use sports sunscreen and I also have makeup remover wipes in my bag. I sweat and soil myself on the track, so I clean up wherever I go.
Her running kick depends on the sport
The shoes I wear during competition are mid-distance spikes. [even though I’m a sprinter]. I don’t use traditional sprint spikes because I like the formability of the shoe. I don’t like wearing stiff shoes when I run.
Then for running shoes, I used to always wear 990. [Now] I love the Rebel Elite and love the silhouette and support of the new style. These or elites are my favorite.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
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