She is speaking the truth.
Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone passionately advocates rejecting the pursuit of perfection, championing the idea that true perfection lies solely with Christ. Renowned for her outstanding achievements on the track and her public expressions of gratitude to God, McLaughlin-Levrone delved into her upcoming book, “Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith,” in a video interview with The Christian Post.
Her book’s title encapsulates a profound sentiment: life’s value transcends mere accolades, records, or titles, all fleeting in nature. Instead, she emphasizes the enduring nature of faith in Christ as the paramount treasure. McLaughlin-Levrone’s purpose is clear: to share the transformative truth she’s embraced and facilitate others’ journey to knowing and loving the Lord.
She openly reflects on her past, acknowledging a life devoid of divine guidance, where worldly success left an unfulfilled void. Her understanding of perfection as unattainable in human terms aligns with her urging readers to strive for excellence while acknowledging their inherent human fallibility.
Her emphasis on Christ’s sufficiency echoes throughout her narrative, highlighting the humbling aspect of embracing imperfection and finding solace in faith. Even in the pinnacle of athletic success, her focus remains unwaveringly on glorifying Christ and sharing the Gospel, illuminating a purpose beyond personal achievement.
McLaughlin-Levrone finds joy in directing attention towards Christ, even amidst uncertainties and doubts, recognizing these moments as opportunities to glorify God. She finds strength in spiritual practices, emphasizing the importance of grounding oneself in faith to navigate life’s trials and grow authentically.
Her personal journey includes acknowledging the pivotal role of her husband, who guided her spiritually and strengthened her connection with God. Their relationship, founded on shared faith, became a cornerstone of her growth and spiritual maturity.
The athlete’s transformational journey from anchoring her identity in fleeting achievements to finding stability and purpose in Christ underscores the profound shift she experienced. Her book-writing process became a reflective exercise, acknowledging her growth, mistakes, and the transformative power of faith.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s interview culminates in a poignant recollection of a significant race where she surrendered her fears to God, allowing her to run freely and achieve remarkable success. Her closing message emphasizes the liberation found in relinquishing fear and entrusting one’s journey to faith.