The newly released LA28 schedule was met with bitter disappointment from Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach, Bob Kersee. The track star and her coach had their sights set on attempting a historic bid to win both the 400m and the 400m hurdles in the upcoming Olympics. However, the LA28 schedule makes it almost impossible to do so.
The 26-year-old American hurdler has made significant strides in her career, from winning gold in the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics to holding the world record for the 400-meter hurdles. Yet, her thirst for new achievements remains stronger than ever.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s Coach Rails Against LA28 Schedule
The Olympics track and field schedule dashes McLaughlin-Levrone’s dreams of making a realistic bid for gold in both events because the races are placed too close together. As such, the timing doesn’t afford her enough recovery time between events, as she would have to compete in both events within a two-day period.
After the LA28 schedule was announced, Kersee criticized the organizers of the track and field schedule for limiting McLaughlin-Levrone’s chances of making history and failing to bring some much-needed attention to the sport.
“We’re a sport fighting for attention. So why do you make this decision? This shows the weakness of our sport. We’ve got the stars, but we don’t get any help from the top,” he said, per The Orange County Register.
Kersee expressed confidence in the track star’s abilities to have a real chance at winning the 400/400 hurdles double in Los Angeles. He noted that she has “proven she’s capable” of doing it and argued that not giving her a chance to prove herself is a huge loss to the Olympics and the world at large.
In addition to attempting the 400/400 hurdles double, McLaughlin-Levrone also planned to attempt a 400 hurdles and 200 double. However, the schedule makes it difficult for her to attempt this feat as well, but not impossible.
Should the athlete try her hand at a 400/200 double, she would compete in the 400 semifinal on July 18 and the first round of the 200 the next day. She would then compete in the 400 final on July 20, followed by the 200 semis on July 21, and then the 200 final on July 22.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone on How She’s Looking for Her Next Big Achievement
Whether or not the record-breaking athlete will get a chance to make history in Los Angeles in 2028, she has made it clear that she’s always dedicated to pushing boundaries in her career.
“It’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Breaking the 52 barrier, the 51, the 48, it’s all about what’s next. And not looking to the person to the right or left, just focusing on me, my lane, what’s in front of me,” she told Harper’s Bazaar.
More: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Reveals Why She Has Blinders on in the Next Chapter of Her Life
McLaughlin-Levrone shared that her dedication also extends beyond her career and even to her personal life. She revealed that she is now learning to manage her finances, while pushing herself to grow into the woman she wants to be.
