Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is now widely known for her discipline, dedication, and extraordinary performance on the track. But in her memoir Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith, released in January 2024, she gave fans a candid look at the earlier days of her career — and the struggles that accompanied them.
One of the most eye-opening revelations in her memoir centers around her lifestyle and eating habits prior to making her Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio Games. At just 16 years old, McLaughlin-Levrone had stunned the track and field world by placing third in the women’s 400-meter hurdles at the U.S. Olympic Trials, earning a coveted spot on Team USA. But behind the scenes, her preparation wasn’t as polished as many might have assumed.
She openly admitted to battling exhaustion and putting immense pressure on herself as she approached the Olympics. While she trained regularly and pushed her limits physically, she confessed that she lacked balance — especially when it came to nutrition.
In her own words, Sydney described her pre-Olympic diet as being far from ideal. She confessed to having a particular fondness for Twizzlers and Wendy’s cheeseburgers, a combination that would make most nutritionists cringe. “There was plenty of ignorance in each bite,” she wrote, illustrating just how unaware she was of the role proper fueling played in elite athletic performance.
Looking back, McLaughlin-Levrone acknowledged that her youthful habits stemmed in part from inexperience and the whirlwind pace at which her life had changed. From high school classrooms to international arenas, her world had shifted dramatically in just a matter of months. Amid the chaos and excitement, nutrition took a backseat.
Yet, it was also during this time that she began to confront the toll such choices were taking. She recounted moments of extreme fatigue and mental pressure — signs that something in her routine needed to change. It wasn’t just about pushing harder in practice; it was about learning to treat her body with the respect and care it needed to perform at the highest level.
Her memoir doesn’t dwell in regret but instead highlights growth. The contrast between her early habits and the intentional lifestyle she embraces today serves as a reminder that excellence is a journey. McLaughlin-Levrone has since transformed not only her diet but her entire approach to training, faith, and personal well-being. Nutrition is now a vital part of her daily routine, reflecting a maturity that comes with experience and self-awareness.
Sydney’s honesty about her early missteps is refreshing in a world where athletes are often portrayed as perfect. Her story humanizes the path to greatness and encourages young athletes to take a holistic view of success — one that includes the choices made outside of competition.
In the end, what shines through is her resilience and willingness to evolve. From indulging in fast food and candy to becoming one of the most disciplined athletes on the planet, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey is a testament to how growth, grace, and grit can transform talent into legacy.