Athing Mu’s coach is Bob Kersee. Athing Mu is an American middle-distance runner whose area of expertise is the 800 meters. At just 19 years old, she became the youngest woman ever to win Olympic gold in an individual track and field event when she won the 800m at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Mu is also the reigning 800m world champion, having won gold at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene. She holds the world under-20 records in both the indoor 800m and 600m events. Coach Bob Kersee has been an important figure in the success of track star Athing Mu.
A veteran in the sport with decades of experience, Kersee has a reputation for turning talented athletes into champions.
Quick Facts on Athing Mu’s Coach
| Coach Name | Bob Kersee |
|---|---|
| DOB | January 1, 1953 |
| Hometown/Birthplace | Canal Zone, Panama |
| Nationality | American |
| Employers/College Team | UCLA, Private Coach |
| Occupation | Track and Field Coach |
| Sports | Track and Field |
| Net Worth | - |
| College | Long Beach State University, Cal State Northridge |
| Height | - |
| Weight | - |
Athing Mu’s Coach
Coach Bobby Kersee started coaching Athing Mu in 2023. Mu has been a standout athlete since her high school days, winning the 800m at the 2018 World U20 Championships at the young age of 16.
At the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021, the 19-year-old Mu became the first American woman to win the Olympic 800m title in over 50 years.
Athing Mu’s Previous Coach List
Milton Mallard (2021–2022)
Al Jennings
Bernice Mitchell
Bob Kersee’s Wife
Bob Kersee has been married to the track and field athlete Jackie Joyner-Kersee since 1986. The two first met in 1980 when Jackie arrived at UCLA as a talented 18-year-old athlete and Bob was an assistant coach.
Their relationship changed from coach-athlete to girlfriend-boyfriend before tying the knot six years later. Jackie Joyner-Kersee is also a well-known athlete and has won six Olympic medals including three golds.
Bob Kersee’s Coaching Career
Bob Kersee was a standout player and athlete whose sport of choice was hurdles at the San Pedro High School in Los Angeles. He continued to compete even after high school when he joined the Los Angeles Harbor College, reaching the state junior college finals in the hurdles event.
He went on to study at the Long Beach State University, earning his Bachelor's in Physical Education in 1978 before getting his Master's in Exercise Physiology from Cal State Northridge, where he also coached the women's team to back-to-back Division I national titles in 1978 and 1979.
In 1980, Kersee joined UCLA as an assistant coach, working with future Olympic champions like Florence Griffith Joyner and Jackie Joyner-Kersee. He was promoted to head coach of the women's team in 1985, staying until 1993. Under his coaching, the Bruins won six conference championships and finished as NCAA runners-up three times.
After leaving UCLA in 1993, Kersee changed to a private coaching role. Some of the most famous names he has trained include Allyson Felix, Gail Devers, Andre Phillips, Valerie Brisco-Hooks, Joanna Hayes, and now as of 2024, Athing Mu.
Bob Kersee’s Record
His athletes have won over 30 Olympic medals, including 16 golds.
At the 1984 Olympics alone, his athletes won more medals (10) than the entire Great Britain team.
He has been named USATF Nike Coach of the Year twice (2005 and 2015.)
Bob Kersee’s Awards & Achievements
2005 & 2015 USATF Nike Coach of the Year
2016 Pac-12 Women's Track & Field Coach of the Century
Coached multiple athletes who still hold world records, like Florence Griffith Joyner and Jackie Joyner-Kersee
9-year stint as Head Coach at UCLA, winning 6 conference titles
FAQ's On Athing Mu’s Coach
Q. Did Athing Mu win the 800m?
A. Yes, Athing Mu became the first American woman to claim the Olympic 800m gold medal in 2021 at just 19 years old.
A. Yes, Athing Mu became the first American woman to claim the Olympic 800m gold medal in 2021 at just 19 years old.
Q. Is Athing Mu still running track?
A. While taking a reduced racing schedule in 2023 to prioritise training for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Mu remains an active professional track athlete.
A. While taking a reduced racing schedule in 2023 to prioritise training for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Mu remains an active professional track athlete.
Q. Where does Bob Kersee coach?
A. Bob Kersee is based at UCLA, where he has coached for over 30 years, first as an assistant and then head coach of the women's team before transitioning to a volunteer role.
A. Bob Kersee is based at UCLA, where he has coached for over 30 years, first as an assistant and then head coach of the women's team before transitioning to a volunteer role.
Q. Will Athing Mu run at the World Championships?
A. Olympic champion Athing Mu did not compete at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, opting to skip the event to focus on defending her 800m title at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
A. Olympic champion Athing Mu did not compete at the 2023 World Athletics Championships, opting to skip the event to focus on defending her 800m title at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Q. What is Athing Mu's 800m personal record?
A. Athing Mu's personal best time in the 800m is 1:54.97, a new American record she set with her impressive rebound victory after a loss at the 2022 World Championships.
A. Athing Mu's personal best time in the 800m is 1:54.97, a new American record she set with her impressive rebound victory after a loss at the 2022 World Championships.
