Sydney McLaughlin, a rising senior at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, NJ, broke the World Junior Record and placed third in the women’s 400-meter hurdles at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon. McLaughlin crossed the finish line at 54.15, becoming one of the youngest athletes ever to earn a spot on the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Team.
The Olympic Trials Finals race was a major milestone in a journey that began when she was six years old. Back then, she required the reward of an almond chocolate bar from her parents for motivation. But in just 10 years, Sydney was named to the American Family Insurance ALLUSA track team in her first two years at UC; was named the Gatorade NJ Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year ’14-’15/’15-’16; named Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year ’15-16; led the UC Track Team in two consecutive State Championships; became a three-time U.S. Junior National Champion in the 400-meter hurdles; and is now an Olympian.Sydney’s record-breaking performance in the finals at the U.S. Olympic Trials tops the 54.46 she ran at the New Balance Nationals in June to break a 32-year-old-record held by Leslie Maxie.
The UC Community gathered at the Stage House Tavern in Scotch Plains to cheer on their hometown hero. Over 200 people were in attendance to watch Sydney cross the finish line and begin the journey of a lifetime in Rio de Janeiro to trade almond chocolate bars for Olympic medals.
“God bless Sydney on her quest to become all God calls her to be,” remarked Sister Percylee Hart, RSM, Principal of Union Catholic.
(above) Sydney McLaughlin, Union Catholic High School Class of 2017 of Dunellen, preparing for the Olympic Trials.
