UKTF Signing Sydney McLaughlin Sweeps 2016 Awards

LEXINGTON, Ky. – 2016 Olympian and world junior record holder Sydney McLaughlin, who last month signed a National Letter of Intent to attend the University of Kentucky and compete on the track and field team, was presented with the USATF Youth Athlete of the Year at the Jesse Owens Awards, on Sunday.

Last month McLaughlin was named High School Athlete of the Year by Track and Field News.

 

McLaughlin was honored alongside eight-time 2016 World Masters Championships gold medalist Irene Obera. The event was held in conjunction with USATF’s Annual Meeting. 

 

McLaughlin (Dunellen, New Jersey) set World U18 and U20 records in the 400-meter hurdles to qualify for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team, finishing third in 54.15. McLaughlin initially broke the 32-year-old world junior record with her victory at the New Balance Nationals in June, crossing in 54.46. McLaughlin is undefeated in high school races since June 14, 2014.

 

“This has been the most incredible year of my life,” McLaughlin told USATF. “I couldn’t have achieved what I did this year without the constant support and guidance of my parents, my brother, and my coach and teammates. I’d like to thank USATF for this amazing honor, as well as all the fans who voted for me.”

 

A week after her 17th birthday, McLaughlin placed fifth in her opening round heat in 56.32 in the 400 hurdles at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio to advance into the semifinal round. In the semis, she placed fifth in 56.22. McLaughlin was named Gatorade National Track & Field Athlete of the Year and went on to become only the second female non-senior to win Gatorade National Athlete of the Year behind 2015 USATF Youth Athlete of the Year, Candace Hill.