Track Stars of Tomorrow: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Tara Davis-Woodhall Shine at Arcadia High in 2017

In the world of track and field, few high school athletes in 2017 commanded as much attention as Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Tara Davis-Woodhall.

Both future Olympic stars, they showcased their raw talent and undeniable potential at the Arcadia Invitational, held at Arcadia High School’s Salter Stadium, in one of the most memorable high school meets of the year. Their performances would not only cement their places as rising stars in the sport, but they also provided a glimpse into the future of American track and field.

A Meeting of Future Champions

The Arcadia Invitational, one of the largest and most prestigious high school track meets in the United States, attracts the best and brightest young athletes from across the country. In 2017, the event featured a number of rising stars, but two athletes stood head and shoulders above the rest: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Tara Davis-Woodhall.

McLaughlin-Levrone, who had already made waves on the national stage, was the reigning high school world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles. Her performance at Arcadia that year further solidified her reputation as one of the most gifted track and field athletes of her generation. At just 17 years old, McLaughlin-Levrone’s athleticism and maturity on the track seemed to defy her age.

Meanwhile, Davis-Woodhall, one of the nation’s top long jumpers and sprinters, was also poised for greatness. Already a national champion in the long jump, Davis-Woodhall demonstrated her explosive speed and power at Arcadia, and her impressive performances were just the beginning of what would be a remarkable career.

The two athletes’ dominance at the 2017 Arcadia Invitational would later become symbolic of their journeys to elite status, marking a pivotal moment in their development as some of the best in the world.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone: A Phenomenon in the 400m Hurdles

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone first rose to national prominence when she set a world junior record in the 400-meter hurdles in 2016. At Arcadia in 2017, she lived up to the expectations with a performance that would leave a lasting impression. Running in the 400-meter hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone clocked an impressive time of 55.02 seconds, which was not only a meet record but also put her on the map as one of the top runners in the world for her age group.

What set McLaughlin-Levrone apart from her peers wasn’t just her raw speed, but the way she carried herself on the track. There was a level of composure and poise in her performances that belied her age. In interviews after the race, McLaughlin-Levrone spoke of her desire to continually improve and set higher goals for herself. She knew that the road to greatness was long, but the confidence she exuded indicated that she was on the right path.

Tara Davis-Woodhall: A Long Jump Sensation

While McLaughlin-Levrone made waves in the hurdles, Tara Davis-Woodhall was making her own mark in the long jump at Arcadia. Known for her explosive takeoff and athletic grace, Davis-Woodhall came into the meet as the reigning national champion in the long jump, and she didn’t disappoint. At the 2017 Arcadia Invitational, Davis-Woodhall leaped to a mark of 6.41 meters (21 feet, 0.5 inches), showcasing her incredible power, technique, and consistency.

What made Davis-Woodhall’s performance even more remarkable was her versatility. Not only was she excelling in the long jump, but she was also competing in sprints, making her one of the most complete athletes in high school track at the time. Her ability to dominate across multiple events demonstrated the breadth of her talent and her potential to break barriers in the sport.

As with McLaughlin-Levrone, Davis-Woodhall exhibited a level of maturity and focus that suggested she was destined for greatness. Her performances were never merely a showcase of physical ability; they were a demonstration of mental toughness, discipline, and a commitment to her craft.

A Legacy of Excellence

Looking back on the 2017 Arcadia Invitational, the performances of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Tara Davis-Woodhall serve as a reminder of the immense talent that exists in high school track and field. Both athletes had already set their sights on collegiate and professional success, and their Arcadia performances provided a preview of the future of American track.

For McLaughlin-Levrone, the journey to becoming a two-time Olympic gold medalist and world champion would continue.

After turning professional in 2018, she would go on to break multiple records and become one of the most dominant figures in the 400-meter hurdles. For Davis-Woodhall, the future was equally bright. After a successful college career at the University of Texas, she would go on to represent the United States in major international competitions, including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Both athletes have become symbols of excellence in track and field, and their shared experience at Arcadia High School’s Salter Stadium in 2017 remains a defining moment in their careers.

As the sport continues to evolve, McLaughlin-Levrone and Davis-Woodhall will undoubtedly be remembered as two of the most electrifying athletes to ever compete at the high school level, and their journeys will inspire generations to come.