“It is unfair for other athletes”, “Let’s just sit back and enjoy”: Fans react to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone confirmed for Brussels Diamond League

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the 400m hurdles world record holder, has been confirmed to compete at the 2024 Brussels Diamond League Finals, scheduled on September 13 and 14. The American sprinter and hurdler will be in action in the women’s 200m and 400m as she has been given a global wildcard entry to the tournament.

McLaughlin-Levrone had a remarkable campaign at the Paris Olympics, winning two gold medals in the women’s 400m hurdles and 4x400m relay event at the quadrennial games. Moreover, she achieved a new world record time of 50.37s.

The Brussels Diamond League organizers announced the American athlete’s participation in the event.

Fans were quick to share their responses. A fan responded by adding that although they are happy to see McLaughlin-Levrone participating, they believe it’s unfair to the other athletes who had to compete all year to earn their Diamond League points. They said:

“We all are blinded by these folks. While i am extremely happy to see Syd for the last dance, it is unfair for other athletes i feel.”

Another fan noted that despite the rules being bent, it's a treat for track fans to see both McLaughlin-Levrone and Sha'Carri Richardson competing in the 200m. Notably, Richardson will feature in both 100m and 200m in the finals.

“Listen we don’t care lol track fans get the chance to see Sydney vs Sha’carri this is the type of stuff that will push the sport so if we have to bend rules for athletes on Sydney’s level then we will do it…other sports do it all the time…let’s just sit back and enjoy," they added.

A fan felt she was given a free pass, adding she didn't compete in any Diamond League meets in the 2024 season but will participate directly in the finals. They further criticized the organizers for allowing this, stating:

“I don’t want to see this though as she has been given a free pass to the finals. All the others earn their spots. World record holders or not. It’s not even in her event. This is shameful and lacks integrity.

Here are some more reactions that Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s participation in the Brussels Diamond League Final has generated -

“She didn't compete in Diamond League. But nice to see her in Brussels,” a fan said.

“This is what we want to see. Sydney could easily be the face of track and field if she run more,” another fan chimed in.

“SHE IS GONNA BE A PROBLEM!!!!!!” another fan added.

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A look into Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s achievements in Diamond League

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone during a Diamond League event in Oslo. (Photo by Marco Mantovani/Getty Images)

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone last won a Diamond League final in 2019 with a season-best performance of 52.85s in the 400m hurdles finals held in Zurich. During the same season, she achieved wins in the Norway and Monaco legs of the series.

In addition, McLaughlin-Levrone’s other achievements include collecting two gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Additionally, she is a three-time world champion, once in the 400m hurdles, and twice in the 4x400m relay. She also won a silver in the 400m hurdles at the 2019 World Championships.