Taylor McLaughlin Will Join Sister, Sydney, in Poland
Michigan freshman Taylor McLaughlin ran 50.74 to win the 400m hurdles final on Sunday evening, one day after clocking the fastest time in the preliminary round. He also had to sit through watching his sister --Sydney, the national high school record holder-- win the junior women's title in 54.51.
McLaughlin said he didn't feel any extra pressure to perform after Sydney locked up her ticket to Poland.
"We never try to pressure each other too much," he said. "Just always encourage: do the best you can, do what you gotta do. Put on a show. That's what we say."
The New Jersey siblings will next travel to Los Angeles for the week to vacation before heading to Eugene, Ore., where both Taylor and Sydney will compete at the Olympic Trials.
While Sydney ranks No. 4 in the U.S. and is favored by some to make the Olympic team, Taylor says he is simply looking forward to the experience.
"For me, I personally don't have any goals besides get the experience," he said. "I don't know about Sydney. Let's say she runs and get third, I don't know what the plan is. But I know a lot of people try to put things in her head, but she's sixteen years old and she has a lot of time to grow, so there's really no rush for her.
"Protective, yeah, I'm her older brother. I just want her to do her."