Why Athletics Desperately Needs Its Superstars like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone to Shine Again

Athletics is one of the main components of the Olympic games and has always thrived on exceptional talents and charismatic figures, such as Jesse Owens in the 1930s, Carl Lewis in the 1980s, Michael Johnson in the 1990s, and Usain Bolt in the mid-to-late 2000s.

Since Usain Bolt retired in 2017, there has been a massive void in the sport—a void needed to be filled by young up-and-coming superstars. The sport has been eager to look for its next superstar to keep it relevant and in the spotlight.

Up steps Noah Lyles, a 100m and 200m world champion and recently crowned 100m Olympic gold medalist. Sydney McLaughlin is a female superstar who has repeatedly broken the 400m hurdles world record and recently crowned 400m hurdle gold medalist.

This article will explore why superstars are essential for a sport like athletics.

Superstars, notably Usain Bolt, bring visibility to a sport that struggles to compete commercially with the NBA, NFL, Football, Tennis, etc. It is because of this that athletics needs superstars and prominent personalities.

Noah Lyles, the American sprinter, took the mantle from Usain Bolt as he dominated the 100m and 200m.