Record-breaking Olympian: ‘I always pray God will be glorified whatever the result’

A US Olympic gold medallist has given glory to God after setting a new world record in the women’s 400m hurdles.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, who completed the race in just 50.37 seconds, said: “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'”.

The 25-year-old reportedly attends Pastor John MacArthur’s Grace Community Church in Los Angeles.

‘All to God’

Following her victory, McLaughlin-Levrone explained: “I credit all that I do to God. He’s given me a gift, he’s given me a drive – I just want to continue to improve upon myself and I have a platform and I want to use it to glorify him.”

Glorifying God, she added, is about “how I conduct myself, how I carry myself, not just how I perform, and so it’s just freedom in knowing that regardless of what happens, he’s going to get the praise through me”.

On Instagram, the athlete shared Psalm 115:1: “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!”

‘Fear to Faith’

In her recent book ‘Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith’, McLaughlin-Levrone said she had struggled to understand how to live for Christ in both her career and everyday life.

She explained: “At the beginning of 2021, I was learning all the ways my life wasn’t about me. It was about showing the world God’s power, wisdom, kindness, love, and forgiveness. There were a bunch of different ways to do that.

“Off the track, I could do that by serving others, putting their needs before mine, and being excited when God did a remarkable work in their lives (Philippians 2:3–4).

“On the track, I glorified God by running with all my mind and body. I honored him when I gave every scrap of energy I had to the task at hand. Because this was the gift God gave me to use, and by using it to the best of my ability and humbly redirecting the attention to him, he would be glorified.”

Team GB

Earlier in the Paris Olympics, GB athlete Andrea Spendolini-Sirieix praised God after winning a bronze medal in the women’s 10m synchronised diving final in Paris.

When interviewed after taking third place alongside diving partner Lois Toulson, the 19-year-old said: “It’s been a crazy two years. I give glory to God.”

Later, she shared a picture of the pair on Instagram with their medals, adding: “This is more than just sport. I am proud to represent my country, my family and glorify the name of Jesus.”