Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone broke a world record in the women’s 400-meter hurdles at the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Track & Field Trials. After her victory, she credited her faith in Christ for her success.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, an outspoken Christian and world-class track athlete, recently broke her own world record at the United States Olympic team trials for track and field in Eugene, Oregon. Finishing the women’s 400-meter hurdles in an astonishing 50.65 seconds, she beat her previous world record and secured her place in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. In an interview with NBC Sports, McLaughlin-Levrone exclaimed,
“Praise God.” She added, “He can do anything. Anything is possible in Christ.”
This isn’t the first time McLaughlin-Levrone has shared her faith publicly. Her faith has been a cornerstone of her life, both on and off the track. After her victory at the World Athletics Championship in 2022, where she set another world record, she quoted Hebrews 4:16 on Instagram:
“‘So let us come BOLDLY to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.’”
She added, “Praise. His. Name. What a beautiful day yesterday was. Preparing for this meet, the core of my team was centered around faith and belief. The amount of prayer coupled with hard work was divinely culminated in 50.68 seconds. By the grace of God, we accomplished our goal.”
Throughout her career, McLaughlin-Levrone has consistently given glory to God for her successes. After her historic run at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, where she finished the 400-meter hurdles in 51.46 seconds, she wrote on social media,
“I no longer run for self-recognition, but to reflect His perfect will that is already set in stone. I don’t deserve anything. But by grace, through faith, Jesus has given me everything.”
Her journey to the Paris Olympics was filled with numerous challenges, including injuries and the immense pressure of maintaining her status as the world’s best. Through it all, her faith has been her anchor. She shared,
“It’s not always easy, but my faith in God keeps me grounded. I believe that every step I take, whether in victory or defeat, is part of His plan for me.”
McLaughlin-Levrone is also vocal about her faith on social media. She often shares Bible verses and inspirational messages on her pages.
In 2022, McLaughlin-Levrone married Andre Levrone Jr., a former NFL player. The couple, both devout Christians, have been open about their commitment to putting God at the center of their relationship.
In interviews, McLaughlin-Levrone has often spoken about the importance of her faith. She told The Christian Post,
“The one thing that’s unchanging is my faith in Christ, and that is the most valuable thing.”
She added that her life’s purpose is “being able to share that truth with people and allow them to come to know and love the Lord in the way in which I have come to know and love.” Reflecting on her journey, she emphasized that perfection is “unattainable in this life” and encouraged readers to “always strive for excellence” and “always strive to do things … in a manner worthy of the calling of God.”
McLaughlin-Levrone recently launched a book where she discusses her growth as an athlete, professional, and Christian. In the book, she talks about overcoming anxiety with the help of her faith. She shared on NBC’s The Today Show,
“My faith allows me to run the race God set out for me and to be free in that and to do it for his glory.”
She acknowledged the pressures athletes face and how her faith helps her manage that anxiety. “It can either be a gift from God in some way shape or form, or you can view it as the end of the world. For me, it was a gift to kind of just reset and to focus on things maybe I wasn’t paying attention to.”
As she prepares for the Paris Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone remains focused on her mission. Her goals extend beyond winning medals; she aims to inspire and uplift others through her faith and testimony. “Running is what I do, but it’s not who I am. Who I am is a child of God, here to share His love and grace with the world.”
WATCH: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Historic 400m Win in 50.65 Seconds
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