At just 25, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has become synonymous with excellence, speed, and dominance. But beneath the accolades and viral highlights lies a far deeper story.
On a recent episode of the Ready Set Go podcast hosted by Olympic legend Justin Gatlin, Sydney opened up like never before, shedding light on the unspoken pressures of elite sport and the personal toll of chasing perfection under the spotlight.
Early in her career, Sydney confessed to craving everything fame had to offer.
“I wanted all the attention, all the fame, all the money, all the things,” she admitted.
“I was feeding off of that; that was my source of life,” she reflected.
The dopamine hits from likes, comments, and followers masked an emptiness she didn’t immediately recognize. It was a cycle of approval-seeking that left her perpetually anxious and unfulfilled.
A Global Pause, A Personal Reset
The COVID-19 pandemic, which brought the world to a halt, offered Sydney something unexpected. Away from competitions, cameras, and the roar of stadium crowds, she began to confront what truly mattered.
“I realized, first of all, I’m not in control of my own life, nor was I ever meant to be,” she said.
The break from the relentless pace of elite athletics revealed how misplaced her sense of purpose had become. It was during this season of reflection that her Christian faith took center stage, transforming her outlook on life and competition.
“To have things like track and field or relationships or status be my source was… stealing the glory from God,” she acknowledged.
A Career Redefined
For someone who’s spent nearly 20 years on the track, she started racing at just six years old, the decision to no longer let the sport define her wasn’t easy.
“It’s been good so far, it’s been hefty, and we’ve accomplished quite a bit,” Sydney reflected on her seven-year professional career.
From world titles to that historic 50.68 world record at the 2024 Paris Games, the milestones are staggering. Yet, in her words, “Track and field is not everything for me.”
Now, every race, every hurdle, every medal-chasing moment holds a different meaning.
“It gives me the freedom to be who He’s called me to be,” she explained.
Though still firmly in her prime, McLaughlin-Levrone hinted at a growing contentment with what she’s already achieved.
“The more time that passes, the more content I am with what the Lord has allowed us to do,” she shared.
Yet, with her talent and drive, fans can be sure there’s more to come on the track, only now, she runs with a freedom that no gold medal or social media post could ever offer.