Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on Reorienting God at the Center of Her Life: A Journey to Success and Fulfillment
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the world-renowned track and field athlete, has not only made headlines for her record-breaking performances on the track but also for her outspoken faith in God. The Olympic and World Champion hurdler has often emphasized how reorienting her life around her faith has been the key to both her athletic success and personal fulfillment.
In a recent interview, McLaughlin-Levrone explained how her spiritual journey began and how placing God at the center of her life has changed her perspective on competition, pressure, and life itself.
Faith as a Foundation for Balance
McLaughlin-Levrone shared that, like many young athletes, she initially struggled with the immense pressures of professional sports. As an Olympic athlete, the constant drive for perfection and the expectations to win often left her feeling overwhelmed. She described how early in her career, she relied heavily on her own strength and the validation of others. However, this approach left her feeling empty, regardless of the accolades she received.
That all changed when she made the decision to put her faith at the forefront of her life. “I realized I was putting all my identity in how I performed, but that’s not where my worth comes from,” McLaughlin-Levrone explained. She went on to say that her relationship with God gave her a new sense of purpose and peace. “Once I put my focus on God and made Him the center of everything I do, I found a different kind of success – one that wasn’t tied to medals or records but to something greater.”
For McLaughlin-Levrone, this spiritual reorientation also brought a radical shift in how she viewed her career. Instead of seeing success solely through the lens of athletic achievements, she began to view her talent and opportunities as gifts from God. Her mindset shifted from a performance-driven mentality to one rooted in gratitude and trust. This shift allowed her to compete with less anxiety and more joy, knowing that her worth was not dependent on the outcome of a race.
“Knowing that God’s plan is perfect and that He’s in control allowed me to relax,” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “I’m not running for myself anymore. I’m running to glorify Him.”
Faith in Action: Beyond the Track
McLaughlin-Levrone’s faith journey extends beyond her career in athletics. She has become a beacon of hope and inspiration for many, often using her platform to share her story and encourage others to seek peace through faith. Whether through social media posts, interviews, or speaking engagements, McLaughlin-Levrone emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God in all aspects of life.
She frequently discusses the balance between her personal life, marriage, and professional career, attributing the harmony she has found to her relationship with God. Her marriage to former NFL player Andre Levrone Jr. has also been a significant part of her faith journey, with both partners striving to build a life centered on their shared belief in God.
A Role Model for Young Athletes
McLaughlin-Levrone’s openness about her faith has made her a role model for young athletes and individuals facing pressure in any field. By sharing how her faith has alleviated the burdens of expectation and competition, she offers a different narrative about success—one that emphasizes fulfillment, peace, and spiritual growth over worldly achievements.
“God has a purpose for all of us,” McLaughlin-Levrone said. “When we align ourselves with His plan, life gets a little easier. Not because challenges disappear, but because we’re not carrying them alone.”
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey illustrates how reorienting her life around God brought not only athletic success but also a deeper sense of peace and purpose. Her story serves as a powerful reminder that success is not solely about accomplishments but about aligning one’s life with a higher calling, rooted in faith.
