"My identity isn't found in how much money I make" - When Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone credited COVID-19 pandemic for helping her realize self-worth

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once revealed that she used to think track and field was her entire life until the COVID-19 pandemic changed her perspective. Notably, the pandemic affected the lives of athletes in various ways such as restricting their movement from one place to another, limiting them from being able to train at their full potential, and more.

However, the time during the pandemic helped McLaughlin-Levrone in not just developing her faith in God but also realizing her self-worth. In an interaction with the French monthly fashion magazine L’OFFICIEL in June 2021 before the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the American shared how the period helped her in realizing her self-worth:

“It helped me understand that my identity is not found in whether I win or lose a race, what place I get, or how much money I make. Track is not who I am, it’s what I do.”

She further humorously expressed that she saw herself as a comedian. In the interview, she said:

“I’m a comedian - at least I think I’m a comedian.”

In addition, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone mentioned her love for bakery, poetry, enjoying music, traveling to distant locations, and watching movies, among other top interests.

Following the interaction, McLaughlin-Levrone went on to become the Tokyo Olympic gold medalist with a new world record time of 51.46s in the women’s 400m hurdles, defeating the defending Olympic champion Dalilah Muhammad (51.58s) in August 2021.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s life beyond track and field

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Photo by Mustafa Yalcin/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images)

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, now a four-time Olympic champion after breaking her world record again in the Paris Olympics, married Andre Levrone in a vineyard wedding in May 2022 after getting engaged less than a year ago. Andre proposed to Sydney at the Four Seasons Resort Scottsdale in August 2021.

McLaughlin-Levrone is also the author of the book - Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith, released on January 30, 2024, which delves deeper into her personal life and faith. The book aims to inspire the readers to conquer their fears, push beyond limits, embrace their identity, and overcome challenges.

Additionally, she also focuses on maintaining good skincare. In an interview with Women’s Health Magazine in 2023, she stated:

“I feel like I'm learning more about my skin and about myself. I was that girl in high school who went to the drugstore constantly, trying to find what worked. Now, I want to be able to share what I'm learning with other people as well."

Notably, the 25-year-old is an ambassador of sports footwear brand New Balance, skincare company Neutrogena, and Swiss luxury watch brand TAG Heuer.