"Just trusting the process – giving the glory to God,” McLaughlin told NBC after the race. “It's all – this season, hard work, dedication and just really grateful to be able to represent my country."
A race to remember
The U.S. took both first and second place in the lightning-fast lap, with 31-year-old teammate Dalilah Muhammad coming in a hair behind McLaughlin for the silver, with track and field experts calling it a “race for the ages,” according to Christian Headlines.
“[The] race … wasn't decided until the final 100 meters – when McLaughlin passed Muhammad to win the gold with a world record time of 51.46 seconds,” Christian Headlines recounted. “Muhammad's time of 51.58 also was under the old world record time (51.90). That previous world record was set by McLaughlin herself in the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials in June.”
In that race, she also narrowly beat out her teammate, with Muhammad – who won the Olympic gold in the event in Rio in 2016 – running a 52.42 in Eugene, Oregon, according to Sports Spectrum.
But the Japan race clearly took the cake, with The Guardian calling it “the greatest race ever.”
Greater faith, greater results
Back in June, the tables turned and after McLaughlin came out on top, she was asked if frustration set in after losing to Muhammad in numerous previous competitions – coming in 17th in the Rio Summer Games five years ago.
The New Jersey native who ran track at the University of Kentucky attributed finally beating her longtime rival to her relationship with God.
"Dalilah's a great competitor," McLaughlin expressed in June, as reported by Sports Spectrum. "I think I was growing into my own person, and 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 has expressed confidence that God will continue to bless her on the track while she remains committed to Him and her training.
“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," she added.
In addition to post-race interviews, the Christian athlete is not shy about sharing her faith on social media, writing “Jesus saved me” on her Instagram bio.
"I no longer run for self-recognition, but to reflect His perfect will that is already set in stone," she posted on Instagram after setting the world record in June. "I don't deserve anything, but by grace, through faith, Jesus has given me everything. Records come and go. The glory of God is eternal. Thank you, Father."
