L.A. 2028 Schedule Ends N.J. Track Star’s Olympic Dream

The recent release of the Olympic schedule for the Los Angeles 2028 Games has stirred controversy among track and field enthusiasts. Specifically, it poses a significant challenge for Dunellen, New Jersey, native Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, an elite athlete aiming for an extraordinary double in the 400 meters and the 400-meter hurdles.

Challenges Faced by McLaughlin-Levrone

McLaughlin-Levrone’s aspirations may be thwarted due to the scheduling conflict. The finals for both the 400-meter and the 400-meter hurdles are set to occur in the same session, making it nearly impossible for her to compete in both events. Her coach, Bob Kersee, expressed his frustration, questioning the reasoning behind this decision and its impact on the sport’s visibility.

Current Achievements

• McLaughlin-Levrone is recognized as the greatest in the 400-meter hurdles.
• She won gold medals in the 400-meter hurdles at the 2021 and 2024 Olympic Games.
• She achieved a historic win at the 2021 World Championships with a personal best of 47.78 seconds in the 400 meters, setting an American record.

Historical Precedents

Historically, the Olympic schedule has been adjusted to accommodate prominent athletes. For instance, in 1996, the schedule was modified to help Michael Johnson achieve his double gold in the 200 and 400 meters. Similarly, adjustments were made for Allyson Felix during the 2016 Games.

This precedent gives hope that McLaughlin-Levrone may still have a chance to request a schedule change ahead of the upcoming Olympics. Should she approach the United States Track and Field (USATF) and World Athletics, there is a possibility that her request could be met favorably.

World Athletics’ Statement

World Athletics recently indicated that the upcoming schedule allows for event doubles, aiming to highlight the potential for remarkable performances by stars like McLaughlin-Levrone. They emphasized that some athletes might replicate the outstanding feats of past legends, such as Carl Lewis during the 1984 Olympics.

Looking Ahead

As the 2028 Olympics approach, the question remains: will organizers reconsider the schedule to accommodate one of the sport’s brightest stars? Time will tell, but there is significant interest from fans and supporters alike for changes that will allow for a historic Olympic performance.