"I Don’t Want to Cry in the Tunnel"- When Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone opened up about her anxiety and struggles with hurdles to her coach Bobby Kersee

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, in her memoir, Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith, shared her emotional struggles and determination to overcome personal challenges in her athletic journey. Reflecting on races that fell short of her high standards, she admitted that she 'doesn't want to cry in the tunnel', a phrase she used to symbolize her battle with disappointment and self-doubt.

Determined to break free from a cycle of frustration and emotional turmoil, the 25-year-old sought a coach, who could help her refine her technical abilities and mental strength. In her pursuit of stability, the Olympic champion met Bobby Kersee.

During their initial meeting, Kersee began with a straightforward introduction, aiming to understand her aspirations and uncover what truly drove her. He asked her:

"I want to know what your goals are. What do you want out of this sport? What do you want to accomplish before you're done?

"I want to win the Olympics. I want to break the world record. I want to be a world champion. And I don't want to cry in the tunnel after a race. Never again," she wrote.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone is a highly accomplished Olympic athlete, having competed in three Olympic Games and earning four gold medals. At the 2024 Paris Games, she secured gold in the 4x400m relay and the women's 400m hurdles. She achieved the same double victory at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

The athlete also left an indelible mark at the World Championships. In 2022, she claimed gold in the 4x400m relay and the 400m hurdles. Her performance at the 2019, and 2022 championships earned her a total of four medals across these two disciplines, showcasing her consistency on the global stage.

In 2024, McLaughlin-Levrone revealed how her coach, Bobby Kersee, impacted her athletic career and personal growth.

Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone reflects on Bobby Kersee's impact on her athletic career and personal growth

Wanda Diamond League 2024 Final - Allianz Memorial Van Damme Brussels - Source: Getty

In August 2024 with an AP News interview, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone highlighted the profound impact of her coach, Bobby Kersee, on her career and personal growth. She praised his ability to challenge her limits, helping her evolve not only as an athlete but also as an individual.

Kersee's coaching philosophy, renowned for driving athletes to surpass their expectations, has been pivotal in her consistent progress. Reflecting on his influence, she shared, via apnews.com:

"Growing as a person and as an athlete, he challenges me and pushes me in ways I didn’t think were possible."

Under Boby Kersee's guidance, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone excelled not only in the 400m hurdles but also in events like the 200m, 400m, and short hurdles. His diverse training approach was not designed to prepare her for multiple Olympic events but to refine her technique and enhance her performance in her primary discipline.

In addition, the coach's style is deeply rooted in mental conditioning. He consistently challenges the Olympic champion to confront difficult situations and overcome obstacles, teaching her to manage setbacks while fostering a mindset focused on perseverance and growth.