Sydney, We Think You’re Remarkable!
NJ.com
As I sat watching Sydney McLaughlin last night, I was so struck by her beauty and poise. Just 17–barely 17–and here she was at the Olympics, representing our country and my home state of NJ in front of the whole world! She was competing in a heat with runners who had, on average, 8 more years of experience. It’s hard to imagine the pressure. She’s worked, trained, and sacrificed all the while keeping a 3.5 gap, and it all comes down to less than a minute of performance. A hundredth of a second can make the difference in whether or not you receive a medal and move on to the finals. Sydney, we’re in awe of you!
A huge, loving crowd sat anxiously and watched from her Union High School where she’ll return in just a few weeks to complete her senior year. As Sydney finished fifth in her 400-meter hurdles heat, I though to myself, “Why doesn’t 5th get a medal too?!” “Sometimes you have to lose to be able to realize when you win,” she said.” Sydney, I guarantee that not one person watching last night thinks that running in your first Olympics at 17 years of age is losing! And guess what. It’s not over yet! Her time of 56.32 turned out to be fast enough to get her into the semifinals. Sydney will run in the semifinal round tonight (Tuesday, August 16) at 8:00 p.m.
Union Catholic will be packed and filled with excitement again as they watch in anticipation of seeing Sydney advance into Thursday’s finals! If you’re in the neighborhood, come on down to cheer Sydney on for the viewing party from 6-9 p.m. It’ll be a party to remember with complete with food trucks, a D.J., and a beer garden.
