“Bobby Kersee is a man of many mysteries" - When Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone revealed opting out of meet on coach’s instructions

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone once revealed that she opted out of a meet after her coach, Bobby Kersee, instructed her to skip the competition. This occurred on June 12, 2022, when she was scheduled to compete at the NYC Grand Prix.

McLaughlin-Levrone added that the decision was made because the USATF Outdoor Championships were nearing and her coach Bobby Kersee wanted to prioritize that since it served as a qualifying event for the 2022 World Athletics Championships. In an interview via Track World News, she said (starting at 0:19 onwards):

“I was really excited for this meet. Having everybody here was warming up feeling great but I think my coach decided to pull me because it's close to trials and he just wants to focus on that."

The American was further asked if something didn't feel right. She responded to this, adding:

“No, I was warming up feeling good. I think for him we've been traveling for like two weeks now and he was just like, ‘This isn't the big one. Let's just get ready for trials and focus on that, but just super excited to be here.’”

She further mentioned (0:50 onwards):

“Bobby Kersee is a man of many mysteries. So, I just listen to what he says and I do what he tells me.”

About ten days later, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone lived up to her reputation with a brilliant performance at the USATF Outdoor Championships as she ran a 51.41s in the 400m hurdles final. At the World Championships, she bagged her first-ever 400m hurdles title, with another world-record performance of 50.68s on home soil.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach opens up on why he prefers his athletes to compete in events based in USA

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone at Brussels Diamond League 2024. PHOTO: Getty Images

In 2024, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone ran her first 400m hurdles race at the HBCU Pro Classic - The Edwin Moses Legends Meet where she finished with a world-leading mark of 52.70. After her performance, coach Bobby Kersee discussed with Citius Mag how he decides the frequency and choice of events for his athletes, adding: (6:42 onwards):

“With all due respect to Europe, I mean I like America. I like to race at home as much as possible. I get criticized for not going to Europe but I coach United States athletes to put them on teams.”

He also discussed how it is challenging for American athletes to participate in European events due to the time difference, language barriers, and eating habits among some notable problems. It is worth noting that Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone also doesn’t compete frequently in European meets.

After the 2024 Paris Olympics, she decided to end her season at the Brussels Diamond League in September, where she participated in two invitational events - the 200m and 400m and won both the disciplines. Before this, she had competed in a Diamond League meet in June 2023 in the 400m at Meeting de Paris.