Gold Medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Announces New Book
By Movieguide® Contributor
USA Track & Field star and Olympic gold medal winner Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has announced the release of her new book, “Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith.”
“SUPRISE!!!! I can’t believe it is finally here, after two years in the making, I am beyond excited to share this news with you guys!!!” McLaughlin-Levrone posted on Instagram.
The Olympian opened up about why she wrote the book and how she hopes it impacts readers.
“You know that feeling of being held back by your fears? Or the desire to be perfect and constantly failing? I do. I actually know those feelings all too well,” McLaughlin-Levrone wrote.
“I figured it was time to start writing all of this down, so I’ve poured my heart out into a book about my faith journey and my experience fighting anxiety and perfectionism,” she continued. “You’ll see how much my self-worth and identity have shifted in the process of finding that I can do nothing apart from God.”
“His overwhelming grace, love, and truth shattered my pursuit of perfection and people-pleasing,” the gold medalist added. “This is an intimate look into a side of my life that you haven’t seen before. Yes, I face hurdles off the track too! I pray that Far Beyond Gold will encourage you to conquer your fears, stand firm in your faith, and see just how much freedom is truly possible with Christ at the center of your life.”
“Sydney McLaughlin knows about facing down obstacles. She has mastered not only racing over hurdles on the track but also tackling challenges in her personal life—from lifelong battles with perfectionism and anxiety to persistent questions about her identity and whether she was ‘enough,’” the synopsis of the book reads.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s new book is available for pre-order and will release January 30, 2024.
Her announcement comes shortly after she had to miss the World Championships due to a knee injury.
Movieguide® recently reported on the injury:
McLaughlin-Levrone recently shared, “I am sad to share that I must withdraw from this year’s world championships meet in Budapest. After consulting with my doctors and coaches, I need to take care of a minor knee issue so that I can be fully healthy for next year’s Paris Olympics. I look forward to seeing everyone back on the track soon.”
“We wish her a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing her back on the track soon,” USA Track and Field stated.
McLaughlin-Levrone had decided to “concentrate on her newest event, the 400, rather than compete in both. She has the top 400 time in the world this season at 48.74 seconds and would have been a heavy favorite in Budapest,” the Associated Press reported.
AP continued, “The loss of McLaughlin-Levrone is a blow to an American team coming off a 33-medal performance — 13 gold — last summer at worlds in Eugene, Oregon. She was a big part of the success, breaking her own world record in the 400 hurdles on her way to winning gold. She also ran the anchor leg when the U.S. won the 4×400 relay.”