By Mallory Mattingly
Multi-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone just secured a win for the 400m in the pouring rain at the World Championship in Tokyo.
“Just grateful. You know it’s there and you put the work in, it’s just when you see it kind of come to fruition, it’s always just a bit of disbelief,” she told the media after the race of what was going through her mind after crossing the finish line. “I knew it was going to be a really fast race, great competition. So, just to kind of see it all come together.”
Normally, McLaughlin-Levrone competes in the 100m hurdles; however, she decided to take a leap of faith and move to the 400m flat. She set the second-fastest time ever, coming in at 47.78 seconds, just 0.18 seconds shy of the world-record holder.
Related: How Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Glorifies God Through Her Career
“I knew the strength was there, especially after the semi, I knew there was more in the tank,” she explained. “So it was about staying composed. I knew it was going to be a battle down the home stretch, and it was really about focusing on my lane and trying to stay as relaxed as possible.”
As she prepared for the new event, the athlete held onto Proverbs 21:31: “The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the Lord.”
“This season was a test of faith beyond compare,” McLaughlin-Levrone wrote on Instagram after the race. “To take the leap from comfort into the unknown required so much prayer and petitioning. Making the switch from the hurdles to the 400m flat was truly a God lead decision.”
“I believe God called me back to this challenge after the injury that hindered my ‘23 season,” she continued. “Not only to chase history but to further develop my character. This year I have become more determined, patient, and self-disciplined, and I’m so overwhelmingly grateful to see how it culminated here. I will never forget that rainy night in Tokyo!!”
“Thank you to my family, my team, to the fans, and to my amazing church community for standing behind me. The best seasons in life often require the most dependence on God, and this was one of them. He is my good Shepherd!! Thank you, Jesus! God bless,” the track and field star added.
McLaughlin-Levrone trusted God and tried something new, even though she was scared. Her example is a powerful reminder that when we follow God’s call, He won’t lead us astray.
Read Next: How Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Faith Informs Life: ‘No Fear of Not Being Enough’
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