Getting big personalities to work together” – Mechelle Lewis Freeman on World Championships relay team that had Sha’Carri Richardson and Gabby Thomas see more 👇 👇 

Getting big personalities to work together” – Mechelle Lewis Freeman on World Championships relay team that had Sha’Carri Richardson and Gabby Thomas see more 👇 👇 

A prominent U.S. relay track coach discussed the challenges and triumphs of working with top-tier athletes, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a winning mindset. The coach, a former world champion in the 100m and 4x100m relay with accolades including gold at the 2007 World Championships and silver at the 2007 Pan American Games, highlighted her journey from athlete to mentor. Despite qualifying for the 2008 Summer Games, her team faced disappointment due to a baton handover error in the finals.

Post-retirement, she founded an organization aimed at empowering women through track and field. This passion extended into her role as a coach, where she has mentored notable athletes like Gabby Thomas and Sha’Carri Richardson. Speaking on a podcast, she explained that her approach to coaching elite competitors requires fostering teamwork among strong personalities, all while maintaining an unwavering commitment to victory.



She elaborated on her philosophy, stating that success hinges on getting everyone aligned with a shared goal of winning. Regardless of individual differences, achieving cohesion is key. The coach also reflected on her team’s record-breaking performance at the 2023 World Championships, where they set a new championship record. While they narrowly missed the world record, she expressed confidence in their ability to surpass it in the near future.

Acknowledging the legacy of past legends like Tianna Madison, Allyson Felix, Bianca Knight, and Carmelita Jeter, she shared her determination to propel her athletes to new heights. In her words, breaking the world record is not just a possibility but an inevitable milestone. This vision came closer to reality at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where her relay team, featuring Gabby Thomas, Sha’Carri Richardson, and Twanisha Terry, clinched gold in the 4x100m relay, cementing their place in history.