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Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Sydney McLaughlin Celebrated In Scotch Plains

The runner hailing from Union Catholic in Scotch Plains was honored by her alma mater on Monday surrounded by students and dignitaries.

Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Sydney McLaughlin ​was honored by her alma mater ​Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains on Monday morning.
Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Sydney McLaughlin ​was honored by her alma mater ​Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains on Monday morning. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — Two-time Olympic Gold Medalist Sydney McLaughlin was honored by her alma mater Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains on Monday morning.

The celebration included students, staff and dignitaries including her mom Mary McLaughlin, Bishop Elias Lorenzo of Archdioceses of Newark Lorenzo, Senator Joseph Cyran, Scotch Plains Mayor Josh Losardo, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, Union County Commissioner Al Mirabella, and many others.

During the celebration, many of the dignitaries spoke and praise McLaughlin on her achievements.

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"Sydney your presence here today is an inspiration to the students and faculty of Union Catholic," said Lorenzo.

"Sydney what a blessing you are to our UC community. You are the shining example of what a role model should be," said Union Catholic High School Principal Sister Percylee Hart.

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"Sydney we've all had hurdles in our life. Yours have been to become the very best in the entire world, shattering a world record twice. Mine has been to be elected mayor of my town. I think among the two of us I think your struggles may have been greater," Losardo joked.

McLaughlin, a 2017 graduate of Union Catholic Regional High School, went from "Syd The Kid" to "The Golden Girl" when she won two gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics.

She won her first medal by edging out fellow American Dalilah Muhammad at the Tokyo Olympics. Read More: Sydney McLaughlin Wins Olympic Gold, Breaks World Record

McLaughlin crushed a second world record during the 400-meter hurdle when she became the first woman to run the 400m hurdles event in 51.46 seconds during the Olympic finals.

She then won her second gold medal in the 4x400-meter team relay at the Tokyo Olympics. Read More: Union County's Sydney McLaughlin Wins Second Olympic Gold Medal

Watch the full celebration below:

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