Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach, Bobby Kersee, expressed disappointment over the cancellation of the LA Grand Slam observe meet, calling for higher dedication and funding within the sport from company sponsors. On Thursday, June 12, Grand Slam Observe introduced the cancellation of the ultimate meet of its inaugural season, which was scheduled to be held at Drake Stadium in Los Angeles.
Launched earlier this 12 months, the sequence has accomplished three occasions to this point: the primary in Kingston, the second in Miami, and the third in Philadelphia. Grand Slam Observe aimed to supply extra alternatives for observe and discipline athletes, with virtually each race ending in a brand new stadium document. From Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone debuting within the 100m sprint, to Melissa Jefferson main the occasion, to sturdy performances from Kenny Bednarek and Jamal Britt, there was one thing for each fan to look at.
On Saturday, June 14, Kersee voiced his disappointment over the cancellation of the ultimate leg, which was set to happen on June 28 and 29. Kersee, who has spent over 40 years within the sport, mentioned he has seen too many promising initiatives fail attributable to poor administration and funding.
“Deeply upset concerning the cancellation of the L.A. Grand Slam observe meet. Over 4 many years on this sport, I’ve watched too many promising initiatives fall quick attributable to organizational challenges, notably from lack of company sponsorship. Our athletes are world-class. They practice laborious and deserve higher. The Grand Slam model remains to be very promising, however right this moment, seasons and careers are impacted,” mentioned Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach.
Kersee urged athletes, coaches, manufacturers, and firms to step up and assist the game:
“I am calling on athletes (previous or current), coaches, athletic manufacturers, and company companions to step up! We’d like leaders who will decide to sustainable funding in our sport. Our world-class athletes deserve world-class group and dedication to match.”
Grand Slam Observe has offered athletes the chance to showcase their talents with substantial monetary rewards, whereas competing in opposition to a few of the greatest on the earth.
Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone’s coach explains why he prefers athletes to compete within the US
On the HBCU Professional Traditional – The Edwin Moses Legends Meet, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone ran her first 400m hurdles race of the season and clocked a successful time of 52.70s. Following the occasion, Bobby Kersee defined how he selects occasions for his athletes:
“With all due respect to Europe, I imply I like America. I wish to race at house as a lot as attainable. I get criticized for not going to Europe, however I coach United States athletes to place them on groups.” (through CITIUS MAG, 2024)
He additionally talked about how time variations, language limitations, and consuming habits make it tougher for American athletes to carry out at their greatest in European competitions.
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Edited by Pratham Okay Sharma
