5 Incidents when Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone praised god for her win with Bible verses

By Bhavin Shivaa

Modified Sep 20, 2024 11:55 GMT

Reigning 4x400m relay and 400m hurdles Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is someone who is used to winning at the highest level. Having recently won the 400m and the 200m invitational races in the Wanda Diamond League at the Memorial Van Damme, she is no stranger to success.

McLaughlin-Levrone has broken her own world record a whopping six times, with the most recent one coming in the 2024 Paris Olympics as she breezed to the top of the podium in 50.37 seconds, bettering her previous best of 50.65 set just around 45 days before.

The American hurdler is also a devout Christian. She has always been vocal about her faith on social media and has said in interviews that her religion gives her the strength she needs to succeed and be the best at what she does.

Having always been invested in her faith, the hurdler prays with her husband, trainer, and coach before every race. Here are five instances when Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone attributed her success to God by citing Bible verses.

#1 “These past few days getting ready for this race, Hebrews 4:16 has been on my mind."

McLaughlin-Levrone was quick to thank god after winning the gold medal in the 400-meter hurdles event at the World Athletics Championship in Eugene, Oregon, as she broke her own world record in the process, setting a then-world fastest time of 50.68 seconds.

She then proceeded to say that the Bible verse, Hebrews 4:16 had been on her mind in the lead-up to the race and that it helped her get the strength to win on that day.

“These past few days getting ready for this race, Hebrews 4:16 has been on my mind — coming boldly to his throne to receive mercy and grace. And I think (God) really gave me the strength to do it today, so all the glory goes to God,” said McLaughlin-Levrone, via Deseret News.

#2 “During (my track career,) I experienced profound grace. Freedom. Hope for the future.”

McLaughlin-Levrone published her memoir, Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith, in January 2024. The book discusses the American's journey from debuting in the Olympics at 16 to winning the world championships and gold at the Tokyo Olympics.

On an Instagram post announcing the book's publication, McLaughlin-Levrone spoke about being held back by her fear, her desire to be perfect, and her constant failure at that. She also discussed how her faith has helped her fight this anxiety and perfectionism and the role of god in her self-esteem.

"You know that feeling of being held back by your fears? Or the desire to be perfect and constantly failing? I do."

" You’ll see how much my self-worth and identity have shifted in the process of finding that I can do nothing apart from God.His overwhelming grace, love, and truth shattered my pursuit of perfection and people-pleasing," said McLaughlin-Levrone, via Instagram.

#3 "Today all I can say is how grateful I am. Thank you Jesus. 🙏🏽🤍"

Following the USA Olympic Track and Field Trials in Eugene, Oregon, McLaughlin-Levrone took to Instagram to celebrate the victory where she thanked god for the victory.

"Normally I have a lot to say, but today all I can say is how grateful I am. Thank you Jesus. 🙏🏽🤍 3x Olympian. 5x WR Holder. Paris here we come! ✨🙌🏽🇺🇸"

#4 "In my mind what kept repeating were the words “Trust in Jesus”."

Following her second consecutive Olympic gold in the 400m hurdles, where she broke her world record for the sixth time running in three years, McLaughlin-Levrone took to Instagram once again to celebrate the triumph.

She thanked god for helping those who trust in him and quoted a verse from Psalm 115:1.

"It never ceases to amaze me how powerful He is to help those who trust in Him overcome the battles within. His word is sufficient, His promises hold true, and all the glory belongs to Him."

"“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!” - Psalm‬ ‭115‬:‭1‬," wrote the world record holder.

#5 "I have and will continue to strive to be a positive role model for young women and an agent of growth for our sport."

The American hurdler recently participated in invitational races at the Wanda Diamond League in Brussels after failing to participate in the Diamond League due to not having participated in a sufficient number of races throughout the season.

McLaughlin-Levrone took to Instagram afterward to wrap up her 2024 season.

"In it all, I will continue to do what I’ve always done, which is endeavor to improve. Use my platform to proclaim Christ, and redirect the glory back to God as much as I can" said the American. (via Instagram)

Her faith is evident from all the social media she puts across in the times of her success.