Alum of N.J. Catholic high school heads to Olympics after shattering own hurdles world record

NEWARK, N.J. (OSV News) — Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, an alumna of Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, N.J., has secured her place on Team USA for the Summer Olympics in Paris by once again shattering her own world record in the 400-meter hurdles at the Olympic trials June 30.

Racing at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, McLaughlin-Levrone finished in 50.65 seconds. The time surpassed her previous best of 50.68 seconds set at the 2022 World Championships.

This extraordinary feat marks the fifth time in three years that McLaughlin-Levrone has rewritten the 400-meter hurdles world record. She has solidified her position as one of the most formidable athletes in track and field today.

In the wake of her record-breaking run, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed deep gratitude for her faith and God’s presence in her life. She credits her Catholic faith as the foundation of her strength and success.

“Normally I have a lot to say, but today all I can say is how grateful I am,” she wrote in a July 2 Instagram post. “Thank you Jesus.”

This sentiment was echoed in her post-race interview with NBC Sports, where she stated, “Honestly, praise God.” She also expressed disbelief at breaking her own world record. She accredited her win to the power of God: “I was not expecting that, but he can do anything. Anything is possible in Christ.”

McLaughlin-Levrone’s achievements resonate deeply with her alma mater, where she is celebrated not only for her athletic prowess but for her unwavering faith. According to school officials, McLaughlin-Levrone’s public declarations of her beliefs and her remarkable athletic accomplishments make her a role model for Union Catholic students and the broader community.

“Sydney has always been a beacon of faith and excellence,” said Sister Percylee Hart, the school’s principal. “She has truly embraced her role as an ambassador of faith on the global stage.”

Union Catholic Athletic Director Dave Luciano agreed, adding that all young people should follow McLaughlin-Levrone’s example.

“Her dedication and passion for her sport, her love for her family, and her unwavering faith in the Lord have been an incredible recipe for success. One that each student in our building, athlete or not, can strive to emulate,” Luciano said. “The UC Community is so proud of all she has accomplished and look forward to celebrating her in the coming weeks.”

McLaughlin-Levrone’s rise to prominence began at Union Catholic High School. There, she made history as the youngest athlete to join the U.S. Olympic track and field team in 2016. Competing in Rio, she became the youngest U.S. track and field athlete at the Olympics since 1972.

Her first major victory came at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021, where she set a then-world record of 51.46 seconds in the 400-meter hurdles and contributed to the U.S. team’s gold medal victory in the 4×400 relay. A year later, she broke her own record again, clocking 50.68 seconds at the World Championships in Eugene.

Having grown up in a devout Christian household, McLaughlin-Levrone’s faith has always been a cornerstone of her life and career. As a result, she has always used her platform to share her faith and inspire others. For instance, following her 2022 world record, she quoted Hebrews 4:16 in an Instagram post that quickly went viral: “So let us come BOLDLY to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive His mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”

Her 2024 memoir, “Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith,” also emphasized her reliance on divine guidance. In it, she revealed that her journey from Union Catholic to global athletic stardom was driven largely by her love for the Lord.

“My success is just faith, trusting the process, and seeing my hard work — along with the gift of God — being put into action,” wrote McLaughlin-Levrone. (She married Andre Levrone in 2022.)

McLaughlin-Levrone will defend her Olympic title in the 400-meter hurdles during the Paris Olympics, which run from July 26 through Aug. 11. The Union Catholic community will surely be watching to see how far — and how fast — her faith will take her this time.

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