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"They train hard and deserve better"- Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach voices deep disappointment over LA Grand Slam track cancellation
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach, Bobby Kersee, expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the LA Grand Slam track meet, calling for greater commitment and investment in the sport from corporate sponsors. On Thursday, June 12, Grand Slam Track announced the cancellation of the final meet of its inaugural season, which was scheduled to be held at Drake Stadium in Los Angeles.
Launched earlier this year, the series has completed three events so far: the first in Kingston, the second in Miami, and the third in Philadelphia. Grand Slam Track aimed to provide more opportunities for track and field athletes, with almost every race ending in a new stadium record. From Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone debuting in the 100m dash, to Melissa Jefferson leading the event, to strong performances from Kenny Bednarek and Jamal Britt, there was something for every fan to watch.
On Saturday, June 14, Kersee voiced his disappointment over the cancellation of the final leg, which was set to take place on June 28 and 29. Kersee, who has spent over 40 years in the sport, said he has seen too many promising initiatives fail due to poor management and funding.
“Deeply disappointed about the cancellation of the L.A. Grand Slam track meet. Over four decades in this sport, I've watched too many promising initiatives fall short due to organizational challenges, particularly from lack of corporate sponsorship. Our athletes are world-class. They train hard and deserve better. The Grand Slam brand is still very promising, but today, seasons and careers are impacted," said Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach.
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Kersee urged athletes, coaches, brands, and companies to step up and support the sport:
“I'm calling on athletes (past or present), coaches, athletic brands, and corporate partners to step up! We need leaders who will commit to sustainable investment in our sport. Our world-class athletes deserve world-class organization and commitment to match.”
Grand Slam Track has provided athletes the opportunity to showcase their abilities with substantial financial rewards, while competing against some of the best in the world.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach explains why he prefers athletes to compete in the US
At the HBCU Pro Classic – The Edwin Moses Legends Meet, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone ran her first 400m hurdles race of the season and clocked a winning time of 52.70s. Following the event, Bobby Kersee explained how he selects events for his athletes:
“With all due respect to Europe, I mean I like America. I like to race at home as much as possible. I get criticized for not going to Europe, but I coach United States athletes to put them on teams.” (via CITIUS MAG, 2024)
He also mentioned how time differences, language barriers, and eating habits make it more difficult for American athletes to perform at their best in European competitions.
