Record-Setting Olympian Breaks from the Mold, Uses Platform to Praise God and Country
Gwen Berry isn’t the only Olympic athlete making headlines in recent days.
American track and field athlete Sydney McLaughlin also saw her profile propelled into the mainstream.
Unlike Berry, who placed third in hammer throwing at the Olympic trials, McLaughlin’s acclaim is coming from her on the field efforts. On June 28, McLaughlin set a new world record in the 400-meter hurdles at 51.9 seconds, according to the New York Post.
Sydney McLaughlin dominates women’s 400M hurdles and sets world record.
[ Via BET]https://t.co/i9ne5X5pQq pic.twitter.com/NE28ILY8zw— NewsOne (@newsone) July 2, 2021
Also unlike Berry — who gained notoriety for purposefully turning away from the American flag during the national anthem — McLaughlin is proud to represent her country and her God.
Back in 2016, McLaughlin, 16-years-old at the time, became the youngest track athlete to represent the United States at the Olympics in almost 50 years.
Now, after setting a new world record, she’s ready to shock the world yet again.
“I think the biggest difference this year is my faith, trusting God and trusting that process, and knowing that He’s in control of everything,” she said during a post-race interview according to Sports Spectrum.
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“As long as I put the hard work in, He’s going to carry me through. And I really cannot do anything more but give the glory to Him at this point.”
After setting the world record, McLaughlin put out an Instagram post, crediting God’s grace for her accomplishment.
“I no longer run for self recognition, but to reflect His perfect will that is already set in stone. I don’t deserve anything,” she wrote on Instagram.
“But by grace, through faith, Jesus has given me everything. Records come and go. The glory of God is eternal. Thank you Father.”
