“I don't think I would have done anything at the Olympics if it wasn't for God” - Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone credits her faith for Olympic success

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone put up a phenomenal performance at the Paris Olympics, storming to her second consecutive gold in the 400m hurdles. En route to that gold, she also broke her own world record, bettering the time she'd run just a handful of weeks before at the U.S. Olympic Trials. Reflecting on her campaign at the Games, the American credits her faith for her continued success.

For McLaughlin-Levrone, Paris marked her third appearance at the Olympics. She entered the competition as the defending champion and world record holder and was an overwhelming favorite for the win.

Expectations for the hurdler were high, and she lived up to all of them, winning gold in a world record time of 50.37s, more than a second ahead of silver medalist Anna Cockrell. She later went on to win gold in the 4x400m relay as well.

Looking back on this performance, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone credits God for her Paris Olympics exploits, telling the Jennifer Hudson Show,

“I think God has done so much through me not only on the track but just being able to reach people. And I think that's what he's given me the platform to do and I don't think I would have done anything on that stage at the Olympics if it wasn't for him.” (4:15)

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Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on how her faith inspired her to write a book

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on her book (Image Source: Getty)

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has been vocal about her faith and has even written a book about her story, titled ‘Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith’.

In her appearance on the Jennifer Hudson Show, the Olympic champion also discussed her debut novel, explaining how her journey with faith inspired her to write the novel to share her story.

“I wrote ‘Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith’ basically just about my story and my life. I was just like Alaya (Armbrister), 6-years-old, running track and she said she wasn't scared or fearful when she steps on the line, (but) I was absolutely terrified.”

“A lot of that came from my fear of not being enough, not being perfect, not winning and for a long time I struggled with my identity being wrapped up in track and field. So the book is about Christ freeing me from that desire to be in control of my life and giving it to him and now I run for his glory.”

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s book was published earlier this year in January and has received praise from various critics.