I will be honest; I do not keep up with the Olympics like some people do...even good friends. It's not that I'm not a fan. I celebrate the best and the brightest this country has to offer just like everyone else.

But I'm not a fan of every sport--winter OR summer games. And since the Olympics often happen on the other side of the world, it's hard to keep up with when the stuff I like will be aired.

However, if I learn that someone from Kentucky--or, at the very least, a student who attends or attended a Kentucky university--the historic event has my attention.

SYDNEY MCLAUGHLIN IS A NAME WE WILL ALL KNOW

After competing in the 2016 Summer Games in Rio de Janeiro and getting eliminated in the semifinals, New Jersey native Sydney McLaughlin arrived at the University of Kentucky in 2017 with the goal of vastly improving on that mark. I wonder how long it took for anyone getting to know her or anyone in the UK Athletic Department to realize just how quickly that feat would be accomplished.

Short answer...NOT LONG.

SYDNEY MCLAUGHLIN AT THE UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY

McLaughlin's freshman year triumphs included winning the NCAA 400-meter hurdles gold medal in a HAIL STORM; winning the SEC title in May of 2018 in that event, and breaking the collegiate in the process.

Just look at that intense focus.

She also became the ninth-fastest 400-meter hurdler in world history. And that just scratches the surface of Sydney's accomplishments listed on her University of Kentucky resume, which ONLY covers her freshman year; like so many UK basketball players, she was one-and-done and has been lighting up the world of track and field ever since.

SYDNEY MCLAUGHLIN AT THE 2020 SUMMER OLYMPICS

With that said, let's fast forward to the "ever since" part...beginning with the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, where McLaughlin set the women's 400-meter hurdles record at 51.46 seconds--eclipsing HER OWN record by 44 seconds.

SYDNEY MCLAUGHLIN SHATTERING ANOTHER WORLD RECORD IN OREGON

Now 22, Sydney McLaughlin's is the name on the tongues of everyone who follows world track and field. But she's also garnering the attention of the CASUAL observer as well, after her dominant performance this weekend at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, where she, once again, shattered one of her own records in the women's 400-meter hurdle.

Afterward, McLaughlin shared her thoughts on her record-breaking performance with NBC.

JUST HOW IMPRESSIVE WAS SYDNEY MCLAUGHLIN'S PERFORMANCE IN OREGON?

The runners who finished second and third are the second- and third-fastest runners EVER in this event, and Sydney McLaughlin smoked 'em. But I think that might be an understatement after taking a look at the HISTORY of records set in this event.

Sydney McLaughlin is as impressive an athlete as I've ever seen and I will look forward to watching her compete in the future. And while she is rightly making New Jersey proud, she attended UK and that makes her one OUR own, as well.

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

27 Celebrities from Kentucky Who Aren't Country Musicians

We could have a whole OTHER list of country stars from Kentucky--and athletes, for that matter. But how many of THESE celebrities did you know were from the Bluegrass State?

30 famous people you might not know were college athletes

Stacker dug deep to find 30 celebrities who were previously college athletes. There are musicians, politicians, actors, writers, and reality TV stars. For some, an athletic career was a real, promising possibility that ultimately faded away due to injury or an alternate calling. Others scrapped their way onto a team and simply played for fun and the love of the sport. Read on to find out if your favorite actor, singer, or politician once sported a university jersey.

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