US record-breaking gold medallist: ‘The glory of God is eternal’

A US record-breaking gold medallist has shared how important her faith in Christ is in her career.

Sydney McLaughlin, 21, won the 400m hurdles gold medal earlier this week with a time of 51.46 seconds.

That beat her previous world record of 51.90 seconds set in June, when she became the first woman to complete the event in under 52 seconds – a feat she entirely attributed to God.

‘Records come and go’

McLaughlin says her faith in Christ gives her peace to know God is with her no matter the outcome.

Writing on Instagram after her first world record – set at the US Olympic track and field trials earlier this year – McLaughlin said the mental strain of preparation was “heavy”.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sydney McLaughlin (@sydneymclaughlin16)

She added: “But the amount of weight the Lord took off my shoulders, is the reason I could run so freely yesterday. My faith was being tested all week. From bad practices, to 3 false start delays, to a meet delay. I just kept hearing God say, ‘Just focus on me’.

Records come and go. The glory of God is eternal.

“I no longer run for self-recognition, but to reflect His perfect will that is already set in stone. I don’t deserve anything. But by grace, through faith, Jesus has given me everything. Records come and go. The glory of God is eternal.”

‘Gifts he has given me’

McLaughlin again took to social media after her successful final, sharing how it was an honour “to represent not only my country, but also the kingdom of God”.

The athlete added: “Just because I may not win every race, or receive every one of my heart’s desires, does not mean God had failed. His will is PERFECT.

“And He has prepared me for a moment such as this. That I may use the gifts He has given me to point all the attention back to Him.

“Thank. You. God.”