'Every race is a test of faith'- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Shares Philosophy Behind Winning Season

Following a triumphant end to her 2025 season with a victory at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has offered a candid look into the mindset that drives her: a fear of not giving her absolute best every time she competes.

The Olympic champion made a bold decision this season to step away from her signature 400m hurdles event.

Instead, she challenged herself in the flat 400m, a move designed to push her beyond her comfort zone and test her mettle against the world's elite sprinters.

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In a recent interview with Vanity Fair, McLaughlin-Levrone discussed her diverse 2025 campaign, which saw her compete in events ranging from the 100m hurdles at Grand Slam Track to winning the 400m world title.

She revealed that her greatest fear is the potential for future regret over a performance where she didn't leave everything on the track.

"I'm afraid of not giving my best, and I always try to do it. I don't want to look back, look at my career and my life, and have regrets for not giving everything. I want to get out of every situation knowing that I am proud of what I have given," she said

Reflecting on her World Championships performance, McLaughlin-Levrone admitted to being surprised by her own speed in the semi-finals, even feeling she might have run "too fast" before the final.

"I was honestly shocked. I crossed the line, and my first thought was like, 'Oh no, I ran too fast! At first, I was definitely shocked, but more so in a great way. Confident. So at first, I was a little nervous that maybe I had spent too much energy. But honestly, even the next day I felt so strong and it felt very relaxed to where it made me excited for the final," she added.

However, that powerful showing ultimately served as a major confidence booster heading into the gold medal race.

As she continues her pursuit of athletic greatness, McLaughlin-Levrone remains committed to pushing her boundaries and exploring the full extent of her remarkable talent.