DUNELLEN – Olympic star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone returned to her hometown on Monday for a ceremony at Columbia Park’s football field. Three years ago, the borough honored her by naming the track after her with a prominent red sign above the press box.
At this event, Dunellen Mayor Jason Cilento addressed the crowd at the 50-yard line, reminding them of a comment he made in 2021 about what the town might do next if McLaughlin-Levrone continued her success.
“At that ceremony, I joked that we didn’t know what else we could do, except maybe rename the entire town after her,” he said. “Well, here we are in 2024, and after she’s won two more gold medals and set her sixth world record, surprise – we’ve officially renamed Dunellen.”
He then paused before clarifying, “I’m just kidding,” drawing laughter from the crowd. “Renaming a town is tough, and I think we can agree that we like the name Dunellen.”
While the town wasn’t renamed, they did honor her with several gifts. Cilento presented McLaughlin-Levrone with a key to the city, an honorary street name for Fairview Avenue, a proclamation celebrating her achievements, and a joint proclamation from Dunellen’s sister cities in Italy. Her parents, Willie and Mary McLaughlin, were also recognized.
The rainy day cleared up just in time for McLaughlin-Levrone’s arrival at the field. She was joined by her family, including her parents, sister Morgan, and brother Ryan, as well as friends, coaches, and local officials. Fellow Olympians Barbara Friedrich and Elliott Denman also attended to show their support.
Mayor Cilento concluded by saying, “Welcome home Sydney. We are so proud of you.”
McLaughlin-Levrone has been called “the most dominant U.S. female track and field athlete” by USA Today, and in August, she repeated her 400-meter hurdles Olympic gold medal performance with a world-record time of 50.37. She also earned another gold medal as part of the women’s 4×400 relay team, with a split time that would have won gold in the open 400 meters.
Despite her international fame, McLaughlin-Levrone remains grounded in her roots, reflecting on her journey from Dunellen.
“I’m always at a loss for words whenever I come home,” she said, crediting her town and family for fostering her love of track and field. “It was here where the dream took root when I was 8 years old. I’m grateful for my amazing support system, and for the opportunity to pursue my passion.”
Dressed casually in jeans, a white shirt, and a red, blue, and white jacket, she wore one of her Olympic gold medals and greeted fans with a smile, signing autographs and taking pictures.
She expressed her pride in seeing Dunellen listed as her hometown on TV before races. “It brings me so much joy every time I see ‘Dunellen, New Jersey’ on the screen,” she said. “We may be a one-square-mile town, but we pack a punch.”
McLaughlin-Levrone closed her remarks by encouraging young people to pursue their dreams with excellence. “Whether you win or lose, remember that you have people behind you who will love you regardless of the outcome,” she said.
Brendan Tennant, her former fourth-grade teacher and now principal at Faber Elementary, also spoke. He recalled her practicing on the school’s sidewalk at recess, outrunning boys, and always offering encouragement with a smile. Tennant praised her as an inspiration to young athletes in Dunellen, showing them that “greatness can emerge from Dunellen,” and that their dreams are worth pursuing.
