The Garden State just got another dose of Black excellence to celebrate. World-record-holder and two-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has officially been inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame (NJHOF) as part of its 2025 class, cementing her legacy not just as a global track and field icon, but as one of Jersey's finest.

For those who followed her journey, this moment is richly deserved. McLaughlin-Levrone, who hails from Dunellen, New Jersey, is no stranger to shattering records. She became a track phenom at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains before taking her talents to the world stage. She has since redefined what is possible in the 400-meter hurdles, holding the current world record and locking in Olympic gold medals—all before the age of 25. The induction ceremony, held at The Arena at American Dream, felt like a homecoming fit for the queen of the track.

This honor holds a unique significance for the Black community in the state. Seeing a young Black woman who was once running high school relays right here in New Jersey, ascend to GOAT status and then be formally recognized by her home state’s Hall of Fame is a powerful moment of representation. It shows every young girl of color watching that the path from local greatness to international stardom is achievable.

McLaughlin-Levrone’s induction is not just a nod to her sheer athleticism, but it’s also a powerful acknowledgment of the cultural force she has become. In a sport where Black women have historically dominated, she carries that torch with poise, speed, and undeniable skill. Her presence at the NJHOF alongside other Jersey legends, from music to sports to activism, confirms that her impact stretches far beyond the finish line.

The accolades keep piling up, yet McLaughlin-Levrone’s career is still in its prime. Whether she continues to dominate the hurdles or shifts her focus to other events like the 400-meter dash or even the 800-meter, her foundation remains solid. This NJHOF induction is less of a career capstone and more of a blazing confirmation that the world is just getting started with witnessing the magic of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. She is proof that talent, when paired with dedication, can launch you from a high school track to a Hall of Fame plaque.