In 2016, the world of track and field was introduced to Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, a young athlete who would soon make a lasting impression. At only 16, she made her Olympic debut in the 400m hurdles, though she didn’t advance past the semifinals, placing fifth. However, her journey was far from over.
Fast forward to 2021, and McLaughlin-Levrone not only broke Dalilah Muhammad’s world record at the Olympic trials but also claimed gold at the Tokyo Olympics. After not qualifying at the Rio Olympics due to nerves in her first race, she has since shared her emotional journey leading up to Tokyo.
In her reflections, McLaughlin-Levrone opened up about her 2016 Olympic experience, describing how stepping onto the track initially made her feel invincible but also brought fears that nearly overwhelmed her. These fears, however, didn’t last. She credits her faith with helping her find freedom, saying she is “forever free thanks to Jesus’ sacrifice.” Just before her race, her father’s advice—“Syd, be the butterfly”—became a powerful message of transformation and strength for her.
During the 2016 Olympics, McLaughlin-Levrone experienced intense panic before her first race. Overcome by nerves, she called her father, asking if she could withdraw. Tearful and anxious, she felt desperate to pull out. But her father calmly reassured her, encouraging her to push through the first round. After the conversation, she gathered herself, even throwing up in a bathroom before stepping back onto the track. Despite her uncertainties about faith at the time, she repeated to herself, “God’s got you,” and once she began the race, her fears melted away, replaced by her fierce competitive nature.
Since that defining moment, McLaughlin-Levrone has embraced her faith, developing a deeper connection with God as she prepared for future competitions.
Her rivalry with Dalilah Muhammad began in 2019 at the Toyota USATF Outdoor Track & Field Championships, where she finished second with a time of 52.88 seconds, while Muhammad won with 52.20. Their competition continued at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, where McLaughlin-Levrone was only 0.07 seconds behind Muhammad, though she still recorded the third-fastest time in history.
Amidst the highs and lows, McLaughlin-Levrone’s faith continued to grow, particularly during the 2021 Olympic trials. She acknowledged how God taught her valuable lessons through these challenging experiences, stating that they helped her learn to rely on Christ rather than herself. These trials, while exhausting and emotional, shaped her into the woman she believes God intended her to be.
In 2023, McLaughlin-Levrone faced a serious knee injury, preventing her from competing in the indoor season, but she didn’t let this setback define her. She returned stronger in 2024, describing her comeback as a mental challenge. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed gratitude for how God had guided her through the toughest moments, forcing her to rely entirely on Him. Despite the difficulties, her season ended on a high note, a testament to her resilience and faith.
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