Feature New Jersey’s Sydney McLaughlin Becomes Youngest American Track & Field Olympian in 44 years by Gregg Snyder July 11, 2016 Sydney McLaughlin (Photo by Robert Samuels – Double G Media) A young star emerged during the 400-meter hurdles competition at the United States Track and Field this past weekend. Sydney McLaughlin won her semifinals heat by beating four collegians and three professionals. And in Sunday’s final, she ran a 54.15, topping three pros and two collegians. Her time set the world junior record and earned her a spot on the Olympic roster alongside Dalilah Muhammad and Ashley Spencer. The 16-year old Dunellen, New Jersey native is the youngest American track and field Olympian in 44 years. McLaughlin will be entering her senior year at Union Catholic High School later this year. She does not turn 17 until August 7. Quite a way to celebrate a birthday, with a trip to Rio as a member of the United States Track and Field Team. McLaughlin’s time of 54.15 on Sunday shattered the World Junior record of 54.40 set in 2005 by Xing Wang of China. It also places her No. 11 on the all-time U.S. list. She is the second athlete from Union Catholic HS to make an Olympic team. The first was Kris Kirchner who made the U.S. Women’s Basketball Team in 1980. Post Views: 4,270 The following two tabs change content below.BioLatest Posts Gregg Snyder Latest posts by Gregg Snyder (see all) ITZ Staff Makes Super Bowl LV Predictions. Which team wins? Who is MVP? - February 5, 2021 Jets And Nike Create New Jersey High School Girls Flag Football League - February 3, 2021 NJ Sports Photographer, Lauren Guillen, Raising Funds For Local Youth Holiday Gifts - December 11, 2020 President Trump Awards Lou Holtz With Medal of Freedom - December 3, 2020 Related TopicsAshley SpencerDalilah MuhammadOlympicsRioRio OlympicsSydney McLaughlinTeam USAUnion Catholic High SchoolUnited States Track & FieldUS Track & Field Click to comment You must be logged in to post a comment Login Leave a Reply Cancel replyYou must be logged in to post a comment. Newsletter Subscription Can't Miss Posts! Women in Sports: NHL Network Host, Jackie Redmond by Nicholas Durst | posted on March 4, 2019 Lochte, Dressel and Ledecky all Chasing Gold at 2021 Tokyo Olympics by Anthony Paradiso | posted on April 18, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 109: The Athletic’s Marc Carig (Audio/Video) by Nicholas Durst | posted on April 19, 2021 Whoop Rewards Employees With $100 Each Month To Sleep by Inesh Chari | posted on March 22, 2021 You Know I’m Right, Episode 112: New York Jets’ Insider Brian Costello (Audio/Video) by Nicholas Durst | posted on April 27, 2021 More in Feature You Know I’m Right, Episode 113: New York Post Columnist Phil Mushnick (Audio/Video) On the 113th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 112: New York Jets’ Insider Brian Costello (Audio/Video) On the 112th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 111: New York Giants’ Insider John Schmeelk (Audio/Video) On the 111th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... You Know I’m Right, Episode 109: The Athletic’s Marc Carig (Audio/Video) On the 109th episode of You Know I’m Right, Nick Durst and Joe Calabrese are joined by... Serena finally catches Steffi: Andy Murray wins 2nd Wimbledon title Old Bridge, New Jersey’s Laurie Hernandez Earns Spot on U.S. Women’s Gymnastics Team Headed to Rio