Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey in track and field is not just about breaking records and winning medals—it’s about overcoming the internal battles that often go unnoticed in the pursuit of greatness.
Her ability to conquer fear and self-doubt speaks volumes about her resilience, and the central role that faith has played in her success is a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit.
Battling Fear on the Track
From the moment McLaughlin-Levrone began to shine as a young athlete, the pressure to succeed was immense. While she had the talent and ability to perform at the highest level, the weight of expectations, both internal and external, weighed heavily on her.
It’s a common story among elite athletes: the fear of failure, the anxiety of not meeting lofty standards, and the constant self-doubt that comes with being in the public eye.
“I used to be terrified of failing, of not meeting the high standards I set for myself,” McLaughlin-Levrone shared candidly in an interview. “But I learned that fear doesn’t define me—my faith does.” This shift in mindset allowed her to break free from the mental chains that often hold athletes back and set her on the path to greatness.
Faith as Her Anchor
Faith was McLaughlin-Levrone’s anchor in those turbulent moments. Rather than letting fear consume her, she turned to her Christian faith. Prayer, scripture, and trust in God became integral parts of her journey. She has openly expressed how important it is to rely on God’s plan for her life, which gave her a sense of peace and grounded her in moments of pressure.
One key moment in her career came before the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. As the favorite to win gold in the 400m hurdles, McLaughlin-Levrone was feeling the weight of the world on her shoulders. But it was Philippians 4:6 that helped her calm her nerves: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”
This powerful verse helped her approach the race with a sense of inner peace, knowing that her worth was not determined by the outcome of any competition.
Turning Fear into Fuel
Instead of allowing fear to paralyze her, McLaughlin-Levrone channeled it into motivation. She shifted her perspective from trying to prove herself to others to competing as a way to glorify God. This transformation allowed her to run with freedom, unburdened by the pressure of outside expectations. At the Tokyo Olympics, she achieved the pinnacle of success: a world-record-breaking time of 51.46 seconds in the 400m hurdles to claim the gold medal.
For McLaughlin-Levrone, it wasn’t just about the gold medal—it was about using her platform to share her faith and inspire others. Her victory in Tokyo was a reflection of her belief that fear can be transformed into something powerful when it is anchored in faith.
Inspiring the Next Generation
McLaughlin-Levrone’s story resonates far beyond the track. Her journey is a reminder that, no matter the challenges we face, faith can provide the strength to overcome fear. Through her openness about her struggles and her faith, she has become a role model for athletes and non-athletes alike.
“When I stopped running for approval and started running with faith, everything changed,” she says. “I know that no matter the outcome, I am secure in my identity in Christ.” This profound sense of self, rooted in her faith, is what drives McLaughlin-Levrone to keep pushing boundaries, not just for her own success, but to inspire others to find their own strength in the face of adversity.
Conclusion
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey reminds us all that fear is an inevitable part of life, but it doesn’t have to dictate our actions. With faith as a guiding force, we can turn our fears into fuel for greatness. Her story is a testament to the power of belief, resilience, and trusting in a higher purpose, proving that, in the end, faith truly has the final say.