Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the record-breaking Olympic hurdler, is known worldwide for her speed, strength, and gold medal victories. But behind the track fame is a powerful story of faith and surrender.
In an interview with Sports Spectrum and as shared by outlets like Deseret News and Movieguide, Sydney opened up about how God pursued her heart long before her podium finishes.
“I could vividly hear God in a couple of instances say, ‘Are you done? Are you ready to give your life over to Me? Are you ready to let Me have control?’” she recalled. At first, her answer was “no” — unsure of what total surrender would mean. But over time, she discovered freedom in placing her identity not in medals or times, but in Christ alone.
During the pandemic, when the world slowed down, Sydney found herself wrestling with perfectionism, pressure, and fear. In that quiet space, she leaned deeper into prayer, scripture, and the truth that her worth comes from being a child of God. She later described this shift as the foundation of her peace both on and off the track.
Her 2022 memoir, Far Beyond Gold: Running From Fear to Faith, captures this journey — from fear-driven performance to faith-fueled freedom.
Why This Matters
For us, Sydney’s story is more than a sports headline. It’s a reminder that success doesn’t satisfy unless it’s anchored in Christ. Her journey invites us all — whether athletes, students, or everyday believers — to ask: Have I truly surrendered control to God?
Sydney’s victories shine bright, but her faith testimony shines brighter.
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Sources: Sports Spectrum, Deseret News, Movieguide, The Christian Post