‘I can’t do long-distance coaching’ – Why Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone chose loyalty over location
Four-time Olympic gold medalist Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone has once again proven that success in the world of track and field is not just about athletic ability—it is about making the right choices off the track as well.
In her new book Far Beyond Gold: Running from Fear to Faith, McLaughlin-Levrone sheds light on one of the most challenging decisions she faced in her career: how to balance her personal life with the professional demands of training under her renowned coach, Bob Kersee.
McLaughlin-Levrone’s journey to Olympic greatness was notwithout sacrifice, especially as she navigated her relationship with NFL player Andre Levrone, now her husband.
As both pursued demanding careers on opposite sides of the country—Sydney training in Los Angeles and Andre working in commercial real estate in Baltimore—their relationship was tested.
“While Andre and I were trying to navigate relationships with family, we also had to decide where to live. This decision introduced new kinds of uncertainty, frustrations, a few disagreements with Andre, and temptations to fear,” McLaughlin-Levrone writes in her book.
Living and working in different time zones made it difficult for the couple to find common ground, especially as McLaughlin-Levrone struggled to maintain her close working relationship with Kersee.
Kersee, a legendary figure in track and field, has coached some of the greatest athletes in the sport.
His philosophy, however, is based on hands-on, day-to-day interaction, something he made clear to McLaughlin-Levrone when she suggested a long-distance coaching arrangement.
“I can’t do long-distance coaching… if I’m going to get your best from you, I got to be with you day in and day out,” Kersee told her, a stance that would force McLaughlin-Levrone to make a tough decision.
For a time, the couple considered relocating to Arizona, where Andre had found a new job.
While this seemed like a potential compromise, it quickly became evident that the logistical challenges of continuing her training with Kersee were insurmountable.
Despite a few attempts to make it work with Kersee flying to Arizona, the arrangement simply didn’t hold up.
“After a few attempts from Bob to fly down to Arizona to train the Olympian, it was clear that things weren’t working out like that,” McLaughlin-Levrone recalls.
Faced with the choice between her relationship and her career, McLaughlin-Levrone knew what had to be done.
In the end, McLaughlin-Levrone returned to Los Angeles, and Andre made the selfless decision to quit his job and move with her.
This was not the only time she had to accommodate Kersee’s rigorous training demands but it was a pivotal moment in her career. And as the results have shown it was a choice that paid off.
Under Kersee’s guidance, McLaughlin-Levrone has maintained a relatively low profile between major competitions, a decision that has often drawn criticism from fans.
However, Kersee has defended his approach, stating that ensuring McLaughlin-Levrone’s peak health and performance is his top priority.
His strategy has worked, as evidenced by her successful defense of her Olympic gold medals at the Paris Games earlier this year.
In fact, McLaughlin-Levrone’s extraordinary performances in Paris led to the 2024 Diamond League organizers creating a special race just so she could compete in the season final.
Though she was unable to compete in the final her achievements in Paris were honored in Brussels cementing her place as one of the greatest athletes of her generation.
