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American hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once faced isolation over her faith, but today embraces it boldly, despite public and professional scrutiny.
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is not only known for her record-breaking performances on the track but also for her unwavering faith that has guided her journey, both professionally and personally.
Despite a path laden with achievements, including her remarkable runs at the 2016 Rio Olympics, 2021 Tokyo Olympics and her most recent success in Paris, McLaughlin-Levrone’s dedication to her Christian beliefs has been the central theme of her life and career, even as it’s brought its own set of challenges.
In her recently released memoir, Far beyond gold: Running from fear to faith, McLaughlin-Levrone opens up about how her faith journey hasn't always been smooth.
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17:00 - 02.11.2024
'My mom grew up dirt poor- Gabby Thomas reveals how her mother’s struggles shaped her path to Olympic glory
Gabby Thomas opens up about her mother’s inspiring resilience, sharing how it fueled her path to triple Olympic gold in Paris.
She describes how that loneliness eventually brought her back to her faith, a reconnection she considers even more valuable than any medal.
"I couldn’t understand why she cared so much," McLaughlin-Levrone writes, reflecting on a friendship that ultimately faded due to differing views on faith.
"As the tone of our conversations changed, I was uncomfortable having them. I started to steer clear of her, wanting to avoid any uncomfortable interrogations. I didn’t feel comfortable sharing these personal tidbits with her, mainly because I expected them to be met with disapproval… Looking back, it was a fear of judgment that drew me away from answering those questions."
McLaughlin-Levrone turned inward and she found herself gradually losing friends, describing a once-close circle that "slowly whittled down to just me, myself and I."
While difficult, this period ultimately reinforced her commitment to her beliefs and inspired her to live authentically, regardless of external opinions.
By the time she was baptized in early 2021, just months before winning her first Olympic title in Tokyo, her faith had become a source of empowerment.
Some critics have taken issue with her outspoken expressions of faith, particularly in the context of post-race interviews where she often credits her victories to God.
Yet, she remains undeterred by the opinions of others, including those who warn that her public faith could jeopardize endorsements and professional relationships.
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15:00 - 02.11.2024
'Changed my life completely' - Tamirat Tola reveals how marathon victory in Paris elevated his status
The Ethiopian is tipped to successfully defend his New York City marathon title on November 3.
Shortly after her gold-medal performances in Paris, McLaughlin-Levrone addressed the criticism head-on.
"There's been a lot of talk that I received just about, you know, you may not want to talk so much about that. You might lose endorsements, you might lose deals… But I mean, I don't live for the approval of people, so I don't have to worry about any of those things," she said as per SportKeeda.
"And even if an endorsement or something wants to leave, I know that God will provide for me in the way he sees fit."
McLaughlin-Levrone’s commitment to her faith extends beyond her own personal beliefs.
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15:28 - 02.11.2024
'He spit across my lane' - Usain Bolt reveals dark arts from Justin Gatlin at the 2011 World Challenge meeting in Zagreb
The decorated Jamaican faced intimidation but could not be stopped in his quest to dominate the track.
Alongside her husband, Andre Levrone, who has aspirations to become a pastor, the Olympic champion is building a life centered on spiritual values.
The couple supports one another’s pursuits with McLaughlin-Levrone viewing her athletic achievements as a platform to share her faith rather than as an end in themselves.
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