The postponement of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics might have been a blow to many athletes, but for Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, it turned out to be a turning point in her career. The delay gave her time to refine her approach, confront difficult decisions, and ultimately emerge as a stronger athlete and individual.
A Blessing in Disguise
Initially, Sydney struggled with her coaching setup and acknowledged that she wasn’t fully processing her then-coach Joanna Hayes’s instructions. The extra year provided by the Olympic delay gave her the courage to switch to Bobby Kersee, a renowned figure in track and field, despite the emotional and familial complications involved.
Lessons from the Transition
In her book Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith, Sydney reflects on the challenges of leaving Joanna Hayes’s camp, where her brother Taylor also trained. Her decision strained her relationship with her brother, as she avoided telling him directly, a mistake she deeply regrets. Sydney admits that this experience taught her the importance of confronting difficult conversations and maintaining integrity, vital traits for both personal and professional growth.
Transformation Under Bobby Kersee
Sydney’s move to Kersee’s coaching fold marked a new era in her career. She broke the world record in the 400m hurdles multiple times, won four Olympic gold medals, and became a world champion—all under Kersee’s guidance. Working alongside legends like Allyson Felix also shaped her mindset and professionalism, further fueling her rise to dominance.
A Model of Integrity
The key takeaway from Sydney’s journey is her growth as an athlete and a person. Her acknowledgment of past mistakes and commitment to integrity demonstrates her resilience. She embraced hard choices and turned them into opportunities for success, a hallmark of greatness.
Your Take
What are your thoughts on Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey? How significant was the 2020 Olympics delay in shaping her legendary career? Share your perspective below!