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In the world of elite sports, health is the gem of any athlete. But here’s the catch: they don’t just crush it in training—they also put in serious work when it comes to recovery. If you think about it, it’s not just about strength or speed; it’s also about making sure your body stays in peak condition all the time, and for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the 400m hurdles champ, recovery is EVERYTHING.

As she continues to be amazing, being out there collecting gold medals, she’s also making sure her body’s prepared to keep performing at its best—but here’s the kicker—her recovery routine is INSANE. We got the scoop from an insider who’s worked with some of the best athletes in the game. So, what’s the secret to McLaughlin-Levrone’s success? It’s all in how she takes care of her body when she’s not running.

Being the best insider

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Sekou Clarke, a lawyer and a sports agent—McLaughlin-Levrone’s agent—has seen it all when it comes to her training. And trust us, her recovery routine is next level. Recently, Clarke revealed it during an interview with Ready Set Go, co-hosted by Justin Gatlin and Rodney Green. “I remember looking at Sydney; her recovery process day to day is like 4 hours long, the recovery part of her training, and that is every day,” Clarke says. Four hours. Every day. That’s quite a routine, and also, that’s how we know how seriously Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone takes her recovery—it’s as important as any workout.

But it’s not just about the time. Recovery is mental, too. Clarke explains how Sydney McLaughlin—Recovery isn’t something you just breeze through—it requires the same dedication and discipline. “Honestly, the first time I really saw an elite-level recovery is Justin. I remember I went over to Justin’s house for Super Bowl one year… and we’re watching the game, and I see Justin rubbing and stretching the whole time, and I’m like, ‘Yo, this man is recovering during his recovery’,” Clarke recalls.

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Is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's 4-hour daily recovery routine the secret sauce to her gold medal success?

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That focus? It’s the key. McLaughlin-Levrone isn’t just chilling after a workout—she’s putting in the effort to recover in the same way she works on the track. Justin Gatlin’s approach to recovery was one of the first examples that showed Clarke how committed recovery has to be. These athletes aren’t just taking it easy—they’re staying locked in, making recovery a part of the grind.

Having a proper mindset is another key!

Talking about Justin Gatlin? Man’s a straight-up legend; mad respect for him. Gatlin, 42, bagged Olympic gold in the 100 meters from the 2004 Games, plus five Olympic medals, and also a crazy 12 World Championship medals in his name. Even when the competition was crazy fierce, like the one with Usain Bolt in the mix, Gatlin stayed on top, and big thanks go to his iconic recovery game. Recovery was as much a part of his training as the sprints themselves. Stretching, massaging, whatever it took to keep his body in peak shape.

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And Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone? Her recovery routine is on that same level. It’s not just about chilling between races; it’s about keeping your body in top shape so you’re ready for whatever’s next. For McLaughlin-Levrone, hitting recovery hard means she can keep performing at that championship level. Whether it’s stretching, massages, or whatever works, she’s making sure her body stays ready to deliver.

What separates Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Justin Gatlin from the rest is how consistent they are with recovery. A lot of athletes think of recovery as just downtime, but these two treat it as an essential part of their training. It’s just as much work as the workout itself. And that’s why both of them have been able to stay at the top of their game for so long—because recovery is part of their everyday hustle.

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Is Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's 4-hour daily recovery routine the secret sauce to her gold medal success?

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