Greatness can emerge from Dunellen’: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone gets hero’s welcome home

Olympic star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone returned to her hometown for a ceremony Monday at the Columbia Park football field. Three years ago, the borough named the track after her with a big red sign above the press box.

Now, Dunellen Mayor Jason Cilento strode to the podium at the 50-yard line to remind the packed stands and fans lining the fence about something he said in 2021 if her success continued.

“At that ceremony I joked we had no idea what we were going to do next,” he recalled, “other than possibly renaming the entire town after her.

Well, here we are in 2024 and sure enough she went well and above and beyond winning two more gold medals and setting her sixth world record. So, surprise – we have officially renamed Dunellen.”

Yes, Middlesex County’s newest town is now McLaughlinville.

Well, not quite. After a few silent moments the mayor continued.

“I’m just joking,” said Cilento to roaring laughs from the crowd. “I’m just joking. That’s not breaking news. Renaming a town is actually pretty difficult and I think we can all agree that we like the name Dunellen.”

They weren’t, however, about to let her leave empty handed.

“But instead of renaming the whole town after you Sydney,” Cilento said, “I hope you’ll settle for a key to the city on a beautiful plaque, an honorary street naming of Fairview Avenue, a proclamation honoring your continued success, as well as a joint proclamation from the mayors of Dunellen’s sister cities in Italy – Borgonovo Val Tidone and Castel San Giovanni.

We also have a plague honoring and recognizing her great parents Willie and Mary McLaughlin, too.”

It was a rainy day until McLaughlin-Levrone, the four-time Olympic Gold Medal winner, came to the field. Naturally, it suddenly stopped and remained dry.

Also in attendance was her parents, sister Morgan, brother Ryan, other relatives and friends, as well as her Union Catholic High School coach Mike McCabe and principal Sister Percylee Hart, and local and statewide politicians who gave speeches.

Also, showing up to lend support was 1968 Olympian Barbara Friedrich (javelin) and 1956 Olympian Elliott Denman (50 KM race walk).

The mayor concluded his remarks with, “Welcome home Sydney. We are so proud of you.”