LEXINGTON, Ky. – Breakout Team USA track star Sydney McLaughlin has committed to Kentucky, according to a report from NJ.com.
McLaughlin became the young U.S. track and field Olympian since 1972 when she competed in the 400-meter hurdles in Rio this summer just eight days after her 17th birthday. Before running in the Olympics, where she qualified for a semifinal, McLaughlin broke the national high school and American junior records in the 400 hurdles.
MORE: McLaughlin named ALL-USA girls track and field athlete of the year
The Dunellen, N.J., native was named the 2016 Gatorade National Female High School Athlete of the Year. NJ.com reports she chose UK over Southern Cal in part due to the presence of 100-meter hurdles world record holder Kendra Harrison, a former Wildcat who still trains under UK track and field coach Edrick Floreal.
“That’s just where I felt more comfortable,” McLaughlin told NJ.com. “USC and Kentucky are both great schools, but for me and what I want to do I just felt that Kentucky was a better fit. I connected more with the people there.”
USA TODAY High School Sports contributed to this report