Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone's Tiara Explained: The Sweet Meaning Behind Her Paris Olympics Crown (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Sydney McLaughlin-Levronecelebrated her latest gold medallike the queen that she is.

On Aug. 8, McLaughlin-Levrone, 25, not only won the gold medal in 400-meter hurdles in the2024 Paris Olympics, but she also broke the world record. And it was a world record that she held.

When she crossed the finish line in 50.37 seconds, she — like many track and field athletes — went to the stands at Stade de France where family and friends are watching, and it was there that a sparkling tiara was bestowed upon her. She came back to the track wearing the tiara and picked up the American flag to celebrate her win to raucous cheers from the crowd.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone getting her tiara.Andy Cheung/Getty

Andy Cheung/Getty

McLaughlin-Levrone told PEOPLE on Aug. 9 that her sister-in-law actually brought the tiara for her.

“She told me months ago she would bring it, and it just was a really cute, fun thing,” she said. “She was like, ‘I’m going to crown you.'”

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Sydney Mclaughlin-Levrone crossing the finish line in Paris.JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images

JEWEL SAMAD/AFP via Getty Images

McLaughlin-Levrone’s medal was also the 100th for Team USA at this Olympics, an honor that the athlete told PEOPLE was “super special.”

“I don’t even know how to put it into words,” she said.

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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone at Paris Olympics.Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Cameron Spencer/Getty Images

Next on her list of celebrations is a simple one: a really good meal.

“I’m gonna celebrate with some good food,” she told PEOPLE. “Some very good food. A cheeseburger is first.”

source: people.com