McLaughlin-Levrone on how she found love after period of heartache
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 14.03.25. | 19:49
"The foundation of our relationship was faith"
Two-time Olympic champion Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has opened up about finding love after enduring a tough period of heartbreak.
The 400-meter hurdler has long been a dominant force on the track, but as she explains, behind her record-breaking achievements lies a personal journey filled with trials, faith, and an unexpected love story with her husband, former NFL player Andre Levrone.
Sydney’s turning point came in 2019 at the IAAF World Championships in Doha, where she suffered a crushing defeat, losing to Dalilah Muhammad by a mere 0.07 seconds.
The loss sent her into one of her lowest emotional points, compounded by the isolation brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic the following year. Searching for answers, she turned to God and began attending Bible classes with her training partners.
“Around the time of COVID, I hit rock bottom and was completely broken. I was in my house searching for answers, peace, and healing. I thought there must be more to life than just this and was like, ‘God, I surrender," Sydney shared with FCA.
It was during this period of soul-searching that she found something unexpected—love. Levrone entered her life through a bold move: sliding into her Instagram DMs.
What started as a simple message soon evolved into a profound connection, rooted in shared faith and a mutual commitment to personal growth.
“We did a Bible study together via FaceTime with other athletes, and the foundation of our relationship was faith,” Sydney revealed.
Their relationship quickly blossomed, and in August 2021, they were engaged. Less than a year later, in May 2022, the couple tied the knot in a breathtaking ceremony at Early Mountain Vineyards in Madison, Virginia.
Sydney has often reflected on how her husband brought clarity to her life during a time of deep personal struggle, describing him as an answered prayer.
“Till this day, I still cannot comprehend how someone who possesses everything I’ve prayed for has finally come into my life,” she said.
Despite the whirlwind romance, Sydney remained focused on her athletic career. At the 2024 Paris Olympics, she cemented her legacy by defending her 400m hurdles title with a world-record time of 50.37 seconds and securing gold in the 4x400m relay.
