Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has spent much of her career redefining what’s possible on the track, but her focus right now reaches beyond records and race times. In a conversation with ESSENCE, the Olympic champion spoke about stepping into a new phase of life while maintaining the discipline that has made her one of the sport’s most dominant figures.

Fresh off recognition as one of TIME’s Women of the Year, McLaughlin-Levrone remains humble, to say the least. The honor, she said, reflects the work behind the scenes and the daily push to keep improving. Each time she steps onto the track, the goal remains the same—to test her limits and continue evolving in a sport that features the most talented athletes in the world.

McLaughlin-Levrone’s new partnership with BAND-AID® Brand ties directly to her ambition. The “Heal Like a PRO” campaign connects her experience as a hurdler with the realities of recovery, which extends beyond physical care. Time away from training, whether through rest or disconnecting from social media, plays a key role in maintaining balance. Balance has taken on new meaning as she prepares for motherhood. With a baby due this summer, her immediate focus is on a healthy delivery before turning attention back to competition.

When asked about challenges as a woman in sports, McLaughlin-Levrone paused before offering a measured response. “I’ve been blessed, truly,” she said. “Obviously there’s going to be setbacks, there’s going to be hurdles that you have to clear, but I think that’s a part of every journey and I’m grateful for how my career has progressed to this point.”

Looking ahead to the 2028 Olympics, the track star spoke about helping younger athletes, sharing lessons from her own experiences while encouraging them to move with confidence.

ESSENCE: Congratulations on being selected as one of TIME’s Women of the Year. That was amazing. How did that feel to be a part of that this year? 

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: Thank you. Yes, it was so exciting, honestly. Track and field, I think ebbs and flows in terms of where it’s at in media and the attention of things. So it’s always an honor to be recognized for the work being put in. And for me, it’s just a desire every day to step on the track and continue to push the bounds of what’s possible. So to be recognized in that way was really a special honor.

I wanted to talk about your Band-Aid Heal Like a Pro campaign. What drew you to partner with the Band-Aid brand for that particular campaign?

I think it was just such a natural fit. As a professional athlete, I understand the idea of wanting to be a pro and to do it to the best of your ability. And so Band-Aid Brand, having this Pro Heal, which is their most advanced healing bandage as a professional athlete and a hurdler, I’m used to taking some hits and getting some cuts and scrapes and blisters and all the things. It’s a part of my daily routine, so it really just felt like a natural fit. And I love what the technology is doing. A five-day wear, which for me is great to just be able to put it on, not have to think about it, and know that it’s doing that pro healing with less scarring for me was huge. So I’m really excited to be able to help be a part of that. And like I said, for me, ever since I was a kid, I was always wearing Band-Aids, whatever it was, whatever sport I was playing, whatever craziness I was getting myself into. And now being able to do that as a pro athlete is super helpful.

So I want to go to the Band-Aid’s theme for this, “Heal Like a Pro.” When you think about healing like a pro, what does that look like for you day-to-day?

Good question. “Healing like a pro,” to me means thinking about all the little things. Every little bit matters. And so whether it’s the Pro Heal bandage where you are not only healing, but you’re also minimizing any bit of scarring. You have the five-day where it feels like second skin, you don’t have to think about it. All of your bases are covered there. And for me, that’s huge. I want to be able to get back to what I’m doing and be the best at it. So I love that they cover all of those bases for you. And then as an athlete, it’s the nutrition, the recovery, the sleep. Every little bit matters so that you can compete at the highest level. And so I love what their Pro Heal bandage is doing and it fits right in with my life alt="™" class="wp-smiley"/>  bandages with me as well to help heal and recover there too. 

You used the word “detached,” which I think is important. Are you ever able to fully detach from the physical aspect of being an athlete at all?

You know what’s so funny? I think in-season when you’re in that rigorous monotony of doing the same thing every single day to try to be the best athlete, there’s a part of you that’s like, “Oh, I can’t wait to eat junk food and not feel bad about it. ” But honestly, I’ve realized over the years my job is to stay fit and what a blessing that is that this has become my life rel="tag">black women in sports Olympics 2026 Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

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