Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone seems untouchable on the track. She holds the world record in the 400-meter hurdles, the American record for the flat 400 meters, and gold medals from both the 2024 Olympics and the 2025 World Athletics Championships. But take her out of her element, and things get interesting.
During a recent game of “Would You Rather,” the star athlete had to pick between competing against two icons: Michael Phelps or Simone Biles. Her answer revealed a surprising fear for a world-class competitor.
Why Did Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Pick Simone Biles Over Michael Phelps?
McLaughlin-Levrone sat down with Self Magazine for a chat that turned into a game of “Would You Rather.” The interviewer presented the 26-year-old hurdler with a tough hypothetical scenario. Would she prefer swimming against Phelps or tumbling against Biles?
The track and field star didn’t hesitate. She avoided the pool entirely and chose to face the gymnastics legend instead. Her reasoning had nothing to do with athletics and everything to do with a specific phobia.
“I’m going to say tumble against Simone because being in water for a long time makes me very anxious,” she said.
Choosing Biles is no easy task, either. Like McLaughlin-Levrone, Biles dominates her sport. She has earned 11 Olympic medals and 30 World Championship medals, making her the most decorated gymnast in history.
The accolades keep coming for McLaughlin-Levrone. She was recently inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame during a ceremony at the American Dream megamall in East Rutherford. She joined 16 other inductees recognized for their contributions to the state.
Speaking to the media at the event, the New Jersey native expressed her affection for her hometown. She expressed pride in the state’s history of producing greatness and discussed what it means to carry that legacy forward.
READ MORE: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Shares Where Her Training Stands After a Relaxed Off-Season
“I mean, we’re a small state, but we have some powerhouses that have come out of here, and so being able to represent New Jersey on the world’s biggest stages, I just carry that with a lot of pride, I want to make sure I put on as best as I can for our state,” she said.
McLaughlin-Levrone called it an honor to grow up in the Garden State, noting it is where she fell in love with track and field. Returning to be recognized for her accomplishments felt like a “full-circle” moment.
She also discussed her gradual return to training after the season. The athlete admitted she enjoyed her time off “a little too much” but is happy to be back at work after getting some much-needed rest.