Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the American track sensation, has once again proven herself on the world stage. On Thursday, she dominated the 400-meter hurdles at the Paris Olympics, securing her second consecutive Olympic gold with a world-record time of 50.37 seconds.
The 24-year-old athlete broke her previous record of 50.65 seconds, set earlier this summer at the U.S. Olympic Trials. This marks the sixth time she has set a new world record in the event.
From the start, McLaughlin-Levrone surged ahead, leaving her competitors in the dust. As she crossed the finish line, the enormity of her achievement set in—she had become the first woman ever to win back-to-back golds in the Olympic 400-meter hurdles.
When NBC’s Mike Tirico asked her the secret behind her success, McLaughlin-Levrone didn’t hesitate. “Honestly, I think my faith is the biggest factor—just trusting the Lord and trusting His plan for me,” she said. “It doesn’t always guarantee things will go amazing, but I just give Him all the honor and glory every time I step on the track. I’m amazed at what He’s doing in my life.”
Her coach had advised her to approach the race like a practice session, focusing solely on her ten hurdles. “Run this like I’m standing in the middle of the field, timing you through the 200,” he had told her.
And she did just that, executing with precision. But even for an athlete of her caliber, there was a moment of uncertainty as she rounded the final turn. “It’s a little terrifying,” she admitted. “You don’t know how close anyone is… It encourages you to want to run faster. Just run through the line and finish the race strong. That’s all you can do.”
This victory adds to her already impressive Olympic haul, which includes two gold medals from Tokyo—one in the 400-meter hurdles and another in the 4×400-meter relay. McLaughlin-Levrone isn’t done yet; she’s set to race again this weekend in the 4×400-meter relay. With her faith guiding her, she aims to add another gold to her collection.
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