At the pinnacles of sports accomplishment, when victories frequently resound and record-breaking performances take place, a distinct story that goes beyond the typical success stories takes shape. At the age of 24, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has already made history at the Olympics by setting a world record and winning gold medals. But her new foray into the writing world reveals a tale that goes far beyond track and field.
She provides a personal account of her journey with her book “Far Beyond Gold,” shedding light on the challenges she encountered both on and off the track. Beyond the dazzling medals, there is a story that explores the depths of individual struggles, transforming Sydney’s story from an athletic memoir into a profound exploration of resiliency and development.
Facing fears and faith: The making of Sydney McLaughlin’s book
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She discovered that in navigating the difficult terrain of writing “Far Beyond Gold,” she had to revisit her life’s high points and low points. The story examines her achievements as well as the fears and difficulties she faced along the way. This introspection helped her acknowledge her development and communicate the transformation she went through, which added to the story’s genuineness.
GQ sports x Sydney McLaughlin pic.twitter.com/qPa4u4lDU4
— Track Spice 🌶️ (@trackspice) February 4, 2024
While talking to GQ Sports during her book promotions, she spoke about what inspired her to write. She mentioned, “The inspiration behind it is the fact that fear controlled my life for so long and it honestly kind of consumed who I was until God, by the way of Jesus Christ, set me free from that. And I felt that I wanted to be able to share my testimony with the world and hopefully they also will be able to experience the same freedom that is ‘Far beyond Gold’.
Talking about how winning golf medals was not sufficient. She said that she wanted something more substantial, and precious to be known as hers in her life. “Gold medals they’re great but they will pass away have something that is secure to me as far more precious than that,” said McLaughlin.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s hurdles: A start beyond the ordinary
Sydney’s story goes far beyond the Olympic tracks, exploring the challenges and driving forces behind her incredible journey. Her early involvement with hurdles, a quick rise in sport, and the critical events that led to shattering the 400-meter hurdles world record are all revealed in the book.
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It also sheds light on her darker moments, such as her anxiousness during the Rio 2016 Olympics, her rejections, and her mistreatment in high school. Nevertheless, it extends beyond her victories.
Sydney’s immediate goal is to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, where she hopes to add another gold to her collection. However, the athlete has other writing goals as well. She says she loves to write poems and feels that more opportunities are coming up to convey her feelings. Even though the book is a huge accomplishment, her forays into the written word might not be over.
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Ultimately, as Sydney’s literary journey is revealed, readers get to see not just the Olympic champion but also a person who embraces growth, encouraging people to face their anxieties and follow their dreams that go far beyond the attraction of medals in track and field.
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