"God challenged every part of me"- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reflects on missing the 2023 season due to injury & being unbeaten in the Olympic year 

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone concluded her 2024 season after an incredible double-medal-winning performance at the Brussels Diamond League Finals. The American athlete reflected on her comeback journey after missing the 2023 season due to an injury.

McLaughlin-Levrone opted out of the 2023 World Athletics Championships due to a knee injury and did not return to the track until she fully recovered. She opted out of the 2024 Indoor season and returned in her first official race at the USATF New York Grand Prix.

The 25-year-old then asserted her dominance at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials where she broke the world record in the 400m hurdles. Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone went on to successfully defend her Olympic title and won the gold medal in the women's 4x400m relay.

She took to Instagram to reflect on her journey from being injured in 2023 to being unbeaten in the Olympic season after running her last race of the year at the Brussels Diamond League.

"Man, 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. 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," she wrote.

"Some may look and wonder what challenges there could be just “playing a sport”, trust me they exist. Just like any profession, it takes dedication, preparation, perseverance, and belief. In it all, I will continue to do what I’ve always done, which is endeavor to improve. Use my platform to proclaim Christ, and redirect the glory back to God as much as I can. 🥹," she added.

"I look forward to rest, and quality time with those I love. I am forever grateful for this sport and the opportunities it has allotted me. These days won’t last forever. Thank you to everyone single person who was on the journey with us this year. 🙏🏽🙌🏽❤️," she concluded.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on competing in more races in the 2025 season

Wanda Diamond League 2024 Final - Allianz Memorial Van Damme Brussels - Source: Getty

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone spoke about the possibility of running more races in the upcoming season in a post-race interview at the Brussels Diamond League. She expressed that if track meets in Europe like the Diamond League fit her schedule, then she would consider them but prioritize major championships.

“I think if our schedule allows for it, I think we sit down strategically and assess what it is we're trying to accomplish and the best way to get there. So I think if some of these European meets make sense, fitting into that schedule, then absolutely. But the number one priority is always Trials and then the Championships and then from there we come to meets like this," she said.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone will return to the track in the 2025 season at Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track, an event that aims to transform track and field.