"Found myself anxious, depressed, frustrated and lonely" - When Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone opened up about escaping trials and finding resolve in faith

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone made her Olympic debut as a 17-year-old at the 2016 Rio Games. She settled in fifth place in the semifinal round of the women's 400m hurdles event, thus being unable to qualify for the final.

Fast forward to 2024, she secured two Olympic gold medals in Paris. McLaughlin-Levrone shattered her world record for the sixth time in the 400m women's hurdles, recording a staggering 50.37 to defeat her fellow teammate Anna Cockrell and her fiercest rival Femke Bol, who posted 51.87 and 52.15 seconds, respectively.

From missing out on the Olympic final in 2016 to successfully defending her title at the 2024 Paris Games, the American hurdler navigated a series of struggles and difficult times, on which she reflected during an interview with Jersey Catholic. She stated that she found strength in her faith which helped her to confront the struggles.

"I tried to escape from my trials by chasing happiness in things that were not benefiting me and found myself anxious, depressed, frustrated, and lonely," she said. "I didn't realize how much better my life and career would be if I just put my trust in Him, and once I did, I found happiness and strength. I've lived through a lot of incredible moments, but it's only now that I have Christ as my cornerstone that I am really living."

"Thankful for the ways in which God challenged every part of me" - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reflects on her journey from injury to Olympic gold medal

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone after breaking the world record in the Women's 400m Hurdle Final during the Olympic Games in Paris, France. (Photo via Getty Images)

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone suffered a severe knee injury in 2023 ahead of the World Championships. This also kept her away from competing in the 2024 Indoor season.

However, she returned to the track at the USATF New York Grand Prix and dominated the women's 400m with 48.75 seconds. The American sprinter enjoyed a successful run in the 2024 season, including the Brussels Diamond League. Following this, she expressed her gratitude and reliance on God.

"After last year, having to sit out due to injury, the mental build back to the world stage felt like a mountain of a climb," she wrote. "Yet as I reflect on the year, I’m so thankful for the ways in which God challenged every part of me to rely solely upon Him in some of the most grueling moments."

At the Brussels Diamond League, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone topped the 200m and 400m invitational races.