Sydney

Sydney McLaughlin is an American world-record holder in the 400-meter hurdles and the first woman to break the 51-second barrier in the event. Sydney took up running at a very early age. By age 17 she appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, which described her as "one of the most dominant high school athletes ever."

In 2018, she turned professional and signed a sponsorship deal with New Balance for an estimated $1.5 million annual base salary. Sydney knows “there is always room to improve” and constantly promises to push the boundaries of her sport. She has already discussed the possibility of competing in other events, such as the flat 400 meters, with her team. “Anything is possible,” she said.

Edwin Moses, the legendary American gold medalist hurdler, once remarked, “There’s never been a weapon as strong as she is.”