US track star sets world records, wins gold medals, and credits God for her success

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone was already a star for the track and field team for the United States. 

She already held Olympic and world records in the 400 meters hurdles from her performances in past competitions. McLaughlin-Levrone, 25, added to her legend on Thursday night winning the gold medal in the event, setting a world record in the process with a performance of 50.37 seconds. It was her sixth world record in the event. 

After her victory, McLaughlin-Levrone described her strategy in the race that propelled her to the win. She mentioned an ability to clear her mind of any distractions and outside noise and instead, focused on herself and her abilities to carry her to the finish line – a feat she did with seemingly incredible ease. Her objective was to focus on being  the best version of herself in the race.

“Obviously, there are people next to you and they’re going to push you, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t focus on the barriers in front of you,” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “That was my focus, trying to be as efficient as I could over my 10 hurdles and trying to lower that time every time.”

McLaughlin-Levrone cited divine inspiration as a basis for her talents and achievements. She stressed the importance of her faith in her life and credited God for her success. 

“I credit all that I do to God,” the Olympic champion said in a press conference after her victory. “He’s given me a gift, He’s given me a drive to just want to continue to improve upon myself, and I have a platform and I want to use it to glorify Him.”

She also explained that her religious beliefs affect her beyond the track as well. Apart from her athletic accomplishments, McLaughlin-Levrone’s faith acts as a moral compass which has influenced her life and has molded her into the person she is today. 

“So whenever I step on the track it’s always the prayer of, ‘God, let me be the vessel in which You’re glorified, whatever the result is — how I conduct myself, how I carry myself, not just how I perform,’” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “So it’s just freedom in knowing that regardless of what happens, He’s going to get the praise through me. That’s why I do what I do.”