Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone had an incredible 2024, cementing her spot as one of the greatest female hurdlers of modern times by breaking her own world record again. With big goals for the upcoming season, she’s ready to turn up the heat, especially with her rivalry with Femke Bol on the horizon. But it looks like there might be a hiccup in her plans, as Sydney could soon lose one of her important training partners.
Back in November 2022, Keni Harrison, the former world record holder in the 100m hurdles, announced on Instagram that she was training under the legendary Bobby Kersee. Soon, Harrison and McLaughlin-Levrone developed a close bond, with Athing Mu and Jenna Prandini rounding out the powerhouse squad. Speaking on her rivalry with Sydney during the training session, Harrison stated to CITIUS MAG 7 months ago, “Oh yeah, of course you know, training with Sydney or Jina and sprinting with them, I’m like I got to be locked in every single time I’m out there.” Kersee had quite the dream team, but after nearly two years of training together, Harrison is reportedly calling it quits.
According to a January 2, 2025 update from the X account, ‘World Athletics Hub’, Keni Harrison has supposedly decided to end her professional ties with Bobby Kersee. As per the speculation, Harrison might have decided on her move based on her performance in the 2024 Paris trials. The trials did not go as per the former world record holder’s expectations, as Harrison failed to qualify for Paris. So the former 100mH World Record holder Keni Harrison has joined the ALTIS training group in Arizona with coach Andreas Behm. Harrison, who is the current American record holder, will train alongside Australian Olympian Liz Clay, who is a 2x Olympian, and 2021 Olympian Cravon Gillespie under Behm’s guidance.
Well, looking back at her career so far, Keni Harrison has been one of the most widely recognized names in the female track and field realm. Her success story began all the way back in 2016. Competing in the London Grand Prix, Harrison took the community by storm by notching up a world record time. However, it was later broken by Toby Amusan in the 2022 World Championships in Oregon, before McLaughlin-Levrone decided to own the track. Harrison continued her success story as she pocketed the silver medal at the 2019 World Championships. She further raked up a gold in the Indoor Championships in the same year.
However, the 32-year-old was looking to aim for the sky. Thus, displaying impeccable form, Harrison clinched the silver medal in the 100m hurdles at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Currently, she is the American record holder, etching her name in the history books by holding the second fastest all-time numbers with her 12.20s dash. While the rumors of Harrison leaving Kersee have not yet been confirmed, the 32-year-old Olympic silver medalist only has words of praise for Bobby Kersee. Together with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, Harrison reflected on Bobby Kersee’s expansive expertise as a track and field genius.
The unconventional genius of Coach Bobby Kersee through the eyes of his champions
Although Harrison might be a step away from losing coach Bobby as his mentor when it comes to producing track and field greatness, few names are as powerful as Bobby Kersee. Guiding legends like Allyson Felix and creating champions like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Keni Harrison, Kersee’s methods are as unconventional as they are effective. While the two athletes have grown under his guidance, their experiences paint a noteworthy image of a coach whose quirky strategies and relentless dedication redefine success.
Keni Harrison, the world-class hurdler, credits Kersee for reshaping her approach. Describing his methods as transformative, Harrison admitted back in May 2023, “I’ve never put my body through workouts like these.” She noted how Kersee’s focus on mental clarity made sure she stayed aware during races, which improved her performance. “He’s just making me a little bit more aware of what I’m doing,” Harrison shared. Further, the confidence he developed is important, she added right after her performance in the 2023 LA Grand Prix, “As long as my coach is on my side, I don’t really care what others say.” Despite Harrison’s dependency on Kersee, she might soon be moving out of her comfort zone.
On the other hand, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone shares a behind-the-scenes look at Kersee’s eccentric methods. From “spastic” commands during training to cutting holes in fences for clandestine practice, Kersee’s dedication knows no bounds. In her autobiographical book Far Beyond Gold, she revealed how his odd drills prepared her to thrive under Tokyo Olympic’s pressure. “Thanks to Bobby, I was able to stay focused and win my quarterfinal heat,” McLaughlin-Levrone said, crediting him with turning chaos into triumph.
Despite their differing journeys, both athletes agree on one thing. And that is Coach Bobby Kersee’s genius, in his ability to bring out the best in his pupils, blending grit, innovation, and an unwavering belief in their potential. Though his way of molding his stars into the best athletes has been a little different, it ultimately has helped the athletes to unlock their best selves on the track.
