Book Review: Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith by Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

I just finished reading Far Beyond Gold by Olympic gold medalist and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone—and y’all, this was truly a refreshing and inspiring read. One of my podcast followers from Finland actually put me on to this book (shout out to you!), and I’m so glad they did. I’ve always admired Sydney as an athlete, but this book made me appreciate her as a whole person—beyond the medals, beyond the track.

gold medalist and world record holder Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

Written in a really easy, honest style, this book opens up Sydney’s world in ways I didn’t expect. From her childhood dreams to those intense moments before the starting gun goes off, Sydney walks us through her thoughts, her fears, her victories, and her faith. It’s clear that this book was written with intention—she didn’t hold back. She invites the reader into the emotional highs and lows of being not just an elite athlete, but a young woman trying to stay grounded in her faith.

One thing that stood out to me the most was how human she allowed herself to be. We often look at superstar athletes and assume they’re built different—but this book reminds us that even the fastest woman on the track struggles with self-doubt, physical pain, indecision, and the deep desire for purpose and peace. Sydney’s walk with God is a central theme, and her journey toward building a stronger relationship with Him felt real and raw. She talks openly about what surrendering to faith has meant for her career and life, and it was powerful to see how that spiritual foundation has shaped her into who she is.

What I appreciated most is that Sydney didn’t write this book just to highlight her wins—she took time to unpack her failures, her emotional battles, and the pressure that comes with greatness. It felt like a conversation with a close friend who’s been through the fire and came out stronger.

The writing itself is excellent—clear, engaging, and heartfelt. You don’t need to be a track fan to connect with this book. If you’ve ever wrestled with fear, faith, or figuring out your path, you’ll find something here that speaks to you.

Honestly, reading this has made me even more excited about the idea of interviewing Sydney one day. I’d love to hear her talk more about this journey in her own voice. (Sydney, if you ever see this—let’s make it happen!)

Stay tuned for my next book review, but in the meantime—go pick up Far Beyond Gold. If you’ve read it or plan to, let me know what you think!