Sydney McLaughlin Saddened By Death Of Legendary U.S. Track Star

American track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is operating with a heavy heart this week due to the death of one of her mentors. 

Ralph Mann, an Olympic silver medalist who represented the United States, passed away last week at the age of 75. The National Track & Field Hall of Fame member set a record in the 440-yard hurdles in 1970. One of his greatest achievements came at the Pan American Games in 1971. He won gold in the 400m hurdles. Not only was he an exceptional athlete, he was incredibly smart. In 1975, he earned a Ph.D. in biomechanics at Washington State University.  

Mann, a former consultant for U.S.A. Track & Field, got to work with McLaughlin-Levrone after she won two gold medals at the Tokyo Olympics. They developed a strong enough bond that she was crushed by the news of his death. 

Over the weekend, McLaughlin-Levrone responded to an Instagram post listing Mann's achievements. 

"Rest in peace, Ralph Mann," the post read. "He was a three-time NCAA champion in the 440 yards hurdles while competing for @byutrackfieldxc. He broke the world record in 48.8 for the 440-yard hurdles at the 1970 NCAA Championships in Des Moines. He was also highly regarded for his research into sports performance analysis with a deep focus on the biomechanics of sprinters and hurdlers. He earned his Ph.D from Washington State University. His family announced he passed away on Jan. 2 from pancreatic cancer. He was 75 years old."

McLaughlin-Levrone made it clear that she has nothing but respect for Mann's legacy on and off the track. 

"So many people were impacted by Ralph both on and off the track," she wrote. "He will truly be missed."