In the realm of track and field, where precision and technique often dominate training regimens, the story of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s world record at the U.S. Olympic Trials stands as a testament to the power of intuition and personalized coaching.
Guided by the legendary coach Bobby Kersee, McLaughlin-Levrone embraced a philosophy that prioritized her body’s natural inclinations over conventional methods.
McLaughlin-Levrone, renowned for her prowess in the 400-meter hurdles, faced a pivotal moment in her career during the lead-up to the U.S. Olympic Trials. Standing taller than many of her competitors, she possessed a naturally longer stride.
Traditional training emphasized a 15-step pattern between hurdles, but her body instinctively leaned towards a 14-step rhythm—a deviation from the norm. Recognizing this, Kersee advised her to trust her body’s signals. He emphasized this by sending her a message repeating, “Let your body do what it wants to do,” multiple times before the trials.
This approach, which might seem unconventional to some, underscores Kersee’s reputation for innovative coaching methods. His ability to adapt training to an athlete’s unique physiology has been a cornerstone of his success.
Under his guidance, McLaughlin-Levrone not only adopted the 14-step pattern but also broke the world record, clocking an astonishing 51.90 seconds at the trials.
Reflecting on this experience, McLaughlin-Levrone highlighted Kersee’s genius in recognizing and nurturing her natural abilities. She acknowledged that while he taught her the technical aspects of the race, he also emphasized the importance of embracing her God-given attributes. This harmonious blend of technique and intuition became a defining factor in her record-breaking performance.
Kersee’s coaching philosophy extends beyond mere physical training. He often employs unconventional methods to prepare his athletes mentally.
For instance, he would give seemingly arbitrary commands during practice, such as asking McLaughlin-Levrone to jog a lap without a clear purpose. These exercises, initially perceived as pointless, later revealed their value in enhancing mental resilience and focus, crucial elements in high-stakes competitions.
The success stemming from this philosophy is evident not only in McLaughlin-Levrone’s achievements but also in Kersee’s illustrious coaching career. His athletes have consistently excelled on the world stage, a testament to his ability to tailor training to individual strengths and instincts.
In conclusion, the mantra “Let your body do what it wants to do” encapsulates a profound coaching insight: recognizing and harnessing an athlete’s innate tendencies can lead to extraordinary outcomes. McLaughlin-Levrone’s world record is a shining example of what happens when natural ability is met with adaptive and intuitive coaching.
