Olympic Gold Medalist Sydney McLaughlin Visits Elders at Parker at Landing Lane
NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ – Sept. 07, 2021 - As the Olympic theme filled the air, Sydney McLaughlin emerged with her graceful smile, her poised demeanor, and her two Olympic gold medals.
This darling of the Tokyo Olympics earned the adulation of millions. But it wasn’t until she spent part of Tuesday afternoon with the residents at Parker at Landing Lane nursing home that she finally met what could arguably be her biggest fans.
The elders greeted the Dunellen-bred track star with open arms on a back terrace where faux gold medals hung from their necks, strawberry shortcake was served, 1970s soft rock played, and Sydney’s two gold medals glistened in the sun.
The elders gave McLaughlin hugs, applause, and flowers they had picked from their own garden, and repeatedly told this local athlete how proud they were of her incredible victories on the track.
“When we heard she was coming, we were very excited,” said resident Judy Smalley. “We watched her on TV and it was so wonderful when she won. We’re her biggest fans, and I am so happy she came to see us.”
McLaughlin has received hundreds of invitations since she won one gold in the 400-meter hurdles and another as part of the United States 4x400-meter relay team.
And while her social calendar is as bulging as an Olympic weightlifter’s bicep, she couldn’t pass up a chance to bring her medals and visit the residents at Parker at Landing Lane. All it took was an invitation from her sister, Morgan, who works there as a Recreation Assistant.
“Morgan said, ‘Do you mind coming and seeing some of the residents? They would love to see you.’” explained Sydney. “I said ‘absolutely’…it’s a great opportunity for Morgan just to show people our family. We just wanted to share the gold medals here, and with the community in New Jersey.”
McLaughlin was charming and engaging with the elders as she introduced herself to each of the 30 or so fans who had gathered for the Olympic-sized party.
They were eager to see the gold medals, but moreover, they were eager to ask some questions.
“Did you get engaged?”
Yes, she’s engaged to NFL wide receiver Andre Levrone Jr.
“Are you going to run in the next Olympics?”
Yes, that’s the plan.
Morgan said she couldn’t be any more proud of her sister, and happy for all the attention she has been getting. She wanted to give the elders at Parker a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet an Olympic hero face-to-face.
“To my sister, the medals aren’t hers,” Morgan said. “They’re for every single person who supported her, and every single person who helped her to get her to where she is. That’s why she’s so willing to pass them out and let others hold them for a bit. It’s what Sydney earned with all this support and encouragement.”
