Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone really wowed everyone with her amazing performance at the 2025 Tokyo World Championships, solidifying her place as a true legend in track and field. Braving the rain, she broke a 42-year-old championship record in the women’s 400m with an impressive time of 47.78 seconds—the second-fastest ever! She managed to outpace Olympic champion Marileidy Paulino, who clocked in at 47.98, and Bahrain’s Salwa Eid Naser, who finished at 48.19.
This win was her first global gold in the flat 400m, and it really adds to her legacy as the first athlete to snag world titles in both the 400m hurdles and the flat 400m. Bobby Kersee, a legendary coach, has been the driving force behind this incredible achievement. His years of experience have helped shape champions through the ages, from Florence Griffith-Joyner (FloJo) to Allyson Felix, and now to McLaughlin-Levrone.
Bobby Kersee’s legacy across eras
Social media users really shed light on Bobby Kersee’s coaching skills after McLaughlin-Levrone’s big win. So, as @notsoaveragejoo pointed out on X, “2015 Bobby Kersee coached Allyson Felix to her first 400m world title. 10 years later in 2025, Bobby Kersee coached Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone to her first 400m world title.” In the same vein, @Cantfind_Geo pointed out Kersee’s lasting influence: “FloJo, Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Gail Devers, Allyson Felix, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone. The man can COACH hands down the best coach of all time.”
These observations really highlight how Kersee can adjust his methods to fit various athletes and different times. Felix focused on endurance and race management, working on her pacing for the 400m. McLaughlin-Levrone, a hurdler known for her explosive speed, focused on revamping her technique. She incorporated flat sprint training and participated in flat events to mimic the pressure of elite competition.
Kersee has been achieving success for over forty years, with his athletes snagging gold medals at every Olympics since 1984. Kersee coached Jackie Joyner, and they later got married. Joyner-Kersee is often seen as one of the greatest female athletes ever. She snagged gold in both the heptathlon and the long jump at the 1988 Seoul Olympics. So, at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, she snagged her second Olympic gold medal in the heptathlon.
Just like that, FloJo teamed up with Kersee during her career and turned into an Olympic superstar and a true icon. During the 1988 Seoul Olympics, she snagged three gold medals in the 100 meters, 200 meters—where she set a world record that’s still in the books—and the 4×100 meter relay. Felix spent 18 years being coached by Kersee, and during that time, she earned multiple titles. Such a string of success really shows how his well-rounded approach combines physical strength with mental toughness.
Nothing can beat Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and her coach’s synergy
After her gold medal run, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone really captured the special connection she has with Kersee during the post-race interview. She said, “I think, you know, Bobby believed that the time was there, and I believed in Bobby and in our work. So it really just was a matter of putting the pieces together and running my race. I think it kind of just shows that anything really is possible. You just got to work for it and work really hard and just trust the Lord. And I think I don’t have any more words for you guys right now. I’m still trying to process all of it. But like I said, the word is really just grateful.”
McLaughlin-Levrone’s expression of gratitude and faith reflects Kersee’s philosophy, which has supported athletes through both victories and struggles, from FloJo’s controversial times to Felix’s enduring career and McLaughlin-Levrone’s record-breaking achievements. Their partnership really shows how having belief—in your coach, the process, and your own faith—can change the game in sports.
Kersee’s milestone with Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone in Tokyo isn’t just about coaching success; it really highlights a legacy that’s all about being adaptable, building trust, and chasing excellence without giving up. With McLaughlin-Levrone setting her sights on Marita Koch’s long-standing world record of 47.60 and the possibility of competing in both hurdles and flat races at LA 2028, it’s clear that Kersee’s influence as the mastermind behind her success is undeniable.