Track Star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Wins Olympic Gold and Credits God For Success
American track sensation Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who shattered her own world record to claim gold in the 400-meter hurdles at the Paris Olympics on Thursday, has consistently attributed her achievements to her faith in God.
During the U.S. Olympic trials earlier this year, where she dominated the competition and qualified for the Paris Games, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed her awe and gratitude towards God. “Honestly, praise God! I was not expecting that, but He can do anything,” she said. “Anything is possible in Christ. So yeah, I’m just amazed, baffled, and in shock.”
McLaughlin-Levrone’s faith journey began at an early age and has been a cornerstone of her life ever since. Growing up in a Christian household, she attended Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey, where her faith was nurtured alongside her athletic talents. Her former principal, Sister Percylee Hart, has often spoken of McLaughlin-Levrone’s strong faith, describing her as “God’s instrument for being a power for good worldwide.”
Sister Hart, who watched McLaughlin-Levrone’s rise to international fame with pride, remarked on the athlete’s consistent dedication to giving glory to God. “Her spontaneity at the end of her victory when she praised God and gave all the glory to God translates to me that she is God’s instrument for being a power for good worldwide,” Hart said. “We are all called to become all God calls us to be, and be good people, and Sydney models that, and affirms that with her messages about faith.”
McLaughlin-Levrone’s devotion to God is evident not only in her post-race interviews but also in her daily life. She frequently shares Scripture and testimonies on social media, using her platform to encourage others in their faith. Her journey from a young, talented athlete to an Olympic champion has been marked by a deepening relationship with God and a commitment to living out her faith in every aspect of her life.
Earlier this year, McLaughlin-Levrone published her memoir, “Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith,” in which she shares her personal struggles with anxiety and perfectionism. In the book, she details how her faith has helped her overcome these challenges and how she strives to glorify God both on and off the track.
“As a Christian, I now existed to glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Matthew 5:16),” she wrote. “At the beginning of 2021, I was learning all the way my life wasn’t about me. It was about showing the world God’s power, wisdom, kindness, love, and forgiveness.”
For McLaughlin-Levrone, running is more than just a sport; it’s a way to worship and honor God. “Running was the gift God gave me to use, and by using it to the best of my ability and humbly redirecting the attention to Him, He would be glorified,” she shared.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s story is a powerful reminder of how faith can guide and sustain us through life’s challenges. Her testimony continues to inspire countless others, showing that when we put God first, everything else falls into place.
