Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was almost injured, or at least had a problem, in Brussels last year. The only problem was, the Olympian herself was not aware of the same! Well, the internet is a funny place. Millions of people wait here to pick up the slightest of hints and convert them into an intriguing story. And McLaughlin-Levrone got a taste of the creativity of the netizens last year. And why did all the fuss happen? Well, it was simply because McLaughlin-Levrone decided to wear long pants!

Back in 2024, McLaughlin-Levrone had one of the best years of her life. After picking up 2 gold medals in Paris, she took a temporary break from running. Having skipped the Diamond League meets, the 400m hurdles queen came back to participate in the finals in hurdles. Back on September 13, 2024, McLaughlin-Levrone took part in the pre-program races in Brussels.

And while she did win her event, the Olympian was subjected to a huge controversy. McLaughlin-Levrone ran the events wearing long pants. Looking at this, the track fans began to speculate wildly whether the 4x Olympic gold medalist carried an injury or rash. Looking back at the theories, McLaughlin-Levrone seems quite frustrated. In a recent upload on YouTube, McLaughlin-Levrone could be seen in a jovial mood.

After all, why not? She just set the world record straight for the sixth time now! Speaking with Grand Slam Track, McLaughlin-Levrone was asked about one of her hilarious online experiences. Her mind quickly went back to Brussels last year. “Oh my gosh, bro, I ran in Brussels last year and there were about six or seven articles about why I was wearing tights,” recalled McLaughlin-Levrone. The theories went from whether she was injured to whether she had a rash! 

And that was not all! McLaughlin-Levrone was also rumored to be debuting the latest New Balance tights! But ultimately, none of these was the ultimate reason why she wore long pants. “I’m like, “It’s cold, bro. It’s cold.” It’s like I was fascinated by the fact that — I guess they want some New Balance tights. Sick pieces, I can help. I got you. Like golly,” said McLaughlin-Levrone.

However, this was not at all the only interesting thing that happened back in Brussels. In a bizarre turn of events, the Olympian was not allowed to run!

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was denied a Diamond League final spot over eligibility rules

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the dazzling double Olympic champion and world record holder in the 400m hurdles, was barred from competing in the Diamond League finals in Brussels. Yes! And it wasn’t due to injury or form but because she failed to meet the strict eligibility rules. Although she had earlier received an invitation to contest the 400m and 200m events, McLaughlin-Levrone was ultimately ruled out, according to multiple reports from the United States.

The issue stemmed from her absence from any regular Diamond League meet this season, which automatically disqualified her under league regulations, even from receiving a Global Wild Card. Petr Stastny, CEO of the Diamond League, clarified in an email to letsrun.com that the decision wasn’t directed at any particular athlete. The statement mentioned, “It is not about allowing a specific athlete to compete or not. It is about rules and criteria that must be fulfilled by all to become eligible to compete at the WDL Final.”

Stastny further noted that while the Global Wild Card clause had been used in the past, most notably by Jakob Ingebrigtsen in 2023, it still required participation in at least one Diamond League event. Sydney’s blank record this season left her ineligible, closing the door on her Diamond League final hopes before they could materialize.