The Los Angeles Grand Prix on May 27 is one of the highly anticipated events of the year. With a group of star athletes set to participate in the championship, it created a lot of buzz in the track and field world. However, recently, the hype experienced a big setback with one of the most renowned athletes, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone withdrawing her name from the championship on Tuesday. Moreover, fans on social media did not entertain the news well.
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On May 16, 12-time world champion, Michael Johnson shared a Twitter post about the American athlete’s unfortunate withdrawal days before the big championship. Moreover, the news received several reactions from fans.
Coach took Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s withdrawal decision
As per the post shared by Michael Johnson, the decision to pull out McLaughlin-Levrone from the championship was taken by coach Bobby Kersee. Although he has not commented on the reason behind his decision, his student made a statement on it.
Through her agent, McLaughlin-Levrone stated, “Regrettably, I won’t be competing in the LA Grand Prix due to my coach’s decision.” Furthermore, she added, “I trust his judgment and will be cheering on my fellow athletes. Excited to see my fans! Thanks for your support.” The 23-year-old added that she completely trusts her coach in his decision.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Athing Mu out of LA Grand Prix track meet – Orange County Register https://t.co/0iMhx34hd6
— Michael Johnson (@MJGold) May 17, 2023
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is a 4 x 400 m Relay race champion. She won the title twice at the 2022 World Championship in Eugene and also at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Her mettle as a track and field athlete shone brightly in 2016 when she became the youngest athlete since 1980 to qualify for the U.S. Olympic track team. Nevertheless, in 2022, she received votes becoming the World Athletics Female Athlete of the Year.
Seeing an exceptionally talented athlete opt out of the Los Angeles Grand Prix was quite disheartening for the fans. Hence, they expressed their emotions in the Twitter comment section.
Fans react to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s shocking exit
Fans could not make peace with Sydney’s update. While some expressed their disgust with the update, some questioned the reason for it,
Terrible news
— Bruce Delahorne (@bdelahorne) May 17, 2023
Why?
— Sully (@babysully) May 18, 2023
Imagine this is other sports leagues. Golf, F1. People pay and want to see big names. This is a shame.
— Sarah Martin (@sarahamartin) May 18, 2023
However, according to some fans, the decision could be in Sydney’s favor as she would get more time to prepare for better opportunities,
People are so mad about this but I would rather them keep bringing home gold year after year than showing up to random meets to make fans happy 🤷🏻♂️
— Luke (@Luke_me_) May 17, 2023
These ones are looking to break world records,the less the race the higher the chances
— Neutrino🧩 (@JuniorMosothoa3) May 17, 2023
Another supportive fan wrote that as long as they get to see Sydney perform in other 4×400 m relay races, it is fine,
As long as we see @GoSydGo run at least 2 or 3 open 400s I'll be okay.
— TVA4 (@turbotoby95) May 17, 2023
Indeed, the news is shocking for her fans and also the track and field world. Perhaps, things will become better when fans see her perform in other championships.
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