Running to The Top

Two-and-a-half years ago, Sydney McLaughlin made FACES IN THE CROWD (July 21, 2014) after setting a national freshman record in the 400-meter hurdles at the USA Track & Field junior nationals. McLaughlin (above) became the youngest U.S. track and field Olympian in 44 years last summer and reached the semifinals of the 400-meter hurdles in Rio. Now a senior at Union Catholic in Scotch Plains, N.J., she committed to Kentucky in November and last month ran the second-fastest 300-meter race in high school history, with a 37.11 at the Molloy Stanner Games in New York City. At this week's Millrose Games (Feb. 11), McLaughlin is eyeing the record of 36.96. Given her rise, it's likely she'll break that record—or come very close.