Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Honored in Dunellen Ceremony for Olympic Achievements
Dunellen, NJ — Olympic track and field star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone returned to her hometown on Monday for a special ceremony at Columbia Park, where she was celebrated for her extraordinary accomplishments. In front of a packed crowd, Mayor Jason Cilento led the tribute, reminding everyone of her continued dominance in the sport.
McLaughlin-Levrone, a four-time Olympic gold medalist, has won two more gold medals and set her sixth world record since the borough named the track after her three years ago. During the ceremony, Cilento humorously reflected on an idea he’d floated in 2021.
“At that ceremony, I joked that if she kept going, we might rename the entire town after her,” Cilento said, drawing laughter from the crowd. “Well, here we are in 2024, and she’s done exactly that.” He then teased the crowd, pretending to rename the town McLaughlinville before admitting he was joking. “We can all agree we like the name Dunellen.”
Though the town’s name remains unchanged, McLaughlin-Levrone didn’t leave empty-handed. In a heartfelt moment, she was presented with a key to the city, a plaque, and an honorary street naming for Fairview Avenue. Cilento also read a proclamation celebrating her continued success, along with a joint proclamation from the mayors of Dunellen’s sister cities in Italy. Her parents, Willie and Mary McLaughlin, were also honored for their support in her journey.
The rain clouds parted just as the ceremony began, with the weather clearing up as McLaughlin-Levrone took the stage. “It was raining until Sydney arrived,” Cilento joked, noting how the skies cleared in time for her recognition.
Family, friends, and notable figures filled the ceremony, including McLaughlin-Levrone’s parents, sister Morgan, brother Ryan, and her former Union Catholic High School coach, Mike McCabe. Also in attendance were 1968 Olympian Barbara Friedrich and 1956 Olympian Elliott Denman, who lent their support to the hometown hero.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s record-breaking career has been a source of pride for the Dunellen community, and Monday’s ceremony was a reminder of her remarkable impact on the world stage.
