Pepperdine President's Speaker Series to Feature Olympic Gold Medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone

On Wednesday, March 11, 2026, at 8 PM in the Amphitheatre, Pepperdine University will welcome Olympic gold medalist and World Champion hurdler Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone as part of its distinguished President Speaker Series. Drawing from her elite athletic career and her inspiring memoir Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith, McLaughlin-Levrone will reflect on her journey of resilience, faith, purpose, and leadership—sharing what it means to pursue a life of lasting significance beyond the glory of medals.

McLaughlin-Levrone has inspired millions on her path to become a top track and field athlete. McLaughlin-Levrone set both junior world and NCAA records before winning two gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics. She followed this success by winning two more at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, where she broke the world record for the 400-meter hurdles. McLaughlin-Levrone is known for her dedication both to sports and to her ability to inspire. She expands on her uplifting story in her memoir, and through her work as a brand ambassador for New Balance. 

Touching both on her faith and the obstacles she has faced on her way to success, McLaughlin-Levrone offers empowering and inspiring remarks on perseverance, learning, and evolving from your mistakes, staying open to new experiences, and the pursuit of success. When recognized by TIME magazine as an emerging leader, her teammate and world-record holder Allyson Felix described her as someone with “a quiet confidence that demands your attention...[and] the potential to impact lives.”

The event is free to attend, however, registration is required. Visit the President’s Speaker Series website for more information.