Dunellen’s Sydney McLaughlin is going to the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The 16-year-old, who will be a senior at Union Catholic High School this fall, placed third in the Olympic Trials’ 400m hurdles finals, securing the last of the three available spots. The other two spots went to Dalilah Muhammad who had the fastest times in both previous runs, and Ashley Spencer.
Not only did her time of time of 54.15 give McLaughlin a plane ticket to Rio, it also broke the World Junior (U20) record of 54.40 Wang Xing of China set in 2005.
According to statements made to USA Track & Field, McLaughlin did not think that making the Olympics was a possibility until recently. “My season started off really rough with some injuries and some personal issues.It wasn’t looking good. But every Olympic athlete has two or three major struggles their Olympic year, and I definitely faced mine.”
She also had to overcome some jitters racing against more seasoned athletes, especially before the qualification run. “It was me doubting everything I’d done so far this season, not understanding that I’ve worked to get where I am and that I deserved to be here. And just thinking, ‘I’m 16 and these girls are all professionals.’ I definitely had a moment where I didn’t think I could do it.” Her coaches were able to regain her confidence and bring her goals into mind. And what were her goals for the finals? “My mind was on finishing the race and eating a cheeseburger.”
McLaughlin, who is now the youngest US track and field athlete to make it to the Olympics since 1972, had been scheduled to compete in the World U20 Championships in Poland later this month. However, when she won the US Junior Championships, McLaughlin had mentioned if she made the Olympic team, it would be unlikely that she would be joining her brother Taylor (winner of the US Juniors Men’s 400-meter hurdles) in Poland as a competitor.