Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles, recently mourned the passing of Ralph Mann, a track and field legend and scientist who significantly influenced her career. Mann, an Olympic silver medalist and renowned biomechanist, passed away at the age of 75 from pancreatic cancer.
McLaughlin-Levrone first encountered Mann in 2018, seeking his expertise after facing challenges in her event. At the 2019 U.S. National Championships, she was defeated by Dalilah Muhammad, who set a world record during the race. Two months later, at the World Championships, McLaughlin-Levrone again finished behind Muhammad, despite breaking the world record herself. Frustrated and determined to improve, she approached Mann for guidance.
Mann, a former Brigham Young University (BYU) track and field national champion and Olympic silver medalist, had transitioned into a career in sports biomechanics after earning a Ph.D. in the field. He specialized in hurdling techniques and had a profound impact on many athletes through his research and coaching. Upon analyzing McLaughlin-Levrone’s performance, Mann identified key areas for improvement, notably her hurdling technique and her ability to alternate lead legs over hurdles.
Under Mann’s mentorship and in collaboration with coach Bobby Kersee, McLaughlin-Levrone refined her technique and training regimen. This partnership yielded remarkable results. At the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials, she set a world record, and she went on to win gold at the Tokyo Olympics, surpassing Muhammad in both events. Mann’s insights were instrumental in enhancing her performance, particularly in the latter stages of the race, where she had previously struggled.
Upon learning of Mann’s passing, McLaughlin-Levrone expressed her grief and gratitude on social media. She shared a post on Instagram with the caption, “Truly will be missed,” and commented, “So many people were impacted by Ralph both on and off the track. He will truly be missed.”
Mann’s legacy extends beyond his work with McLaughlin-Levrone. He was a pivotal figure in track and field, known for breaking the 440-yard hurdles world record in 1970 and earning a silver medal in the 400-meter hurdles at the 1972 Munich Olympics. After his athletic career, he dedicated himself to the scientific study of sports performance, contributing significantly to the understanding of sprinting and hurdling mechanics. His research has been implemented in the training of numerous athletes, including Olympic and professional competitors.
Ed Eyestone, the director of track and field at BYU, paid tribute to Mann, stating, “Ralph Mann is a true legend of BYU track and field… Our sport is better because of his contributions as an athlete and scientist. BYU track and field will be forever grateful for Ralph Mann.”
Mann’s passing is a significant loss to the track and field community. His contributions as both an athlete and a scientist have left an indelible mark on the sport, influencing training methodologies and athlete performance. For McLaughlin-Levrone, his mentorship was a catalyst for her ascent to the pinnacle of her event, underscoring the profound impact he had on her career and the broader athletics world.
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