Why Athing Mu-Nikolayev and Her Husband Chose to End Her Coaching Partnership With Bob Kersee

Athing Mu-Nikolayev has decided to part ways with coach Bob Kersee as she navigates changes in her personal and professional life.

Athing Mu-Nikolayev, the American record holder in the 800m, has ended her professional relationship with coach Bobby Kersee.

Athing Mu’s decision comes after a turbulent period that saw her set a national record but also fail to qualify for the 800m final at the 2025 US Championships.

Bob Kersee confirmed the split, telling LetsRun.com that Athing Mu-Nikolayev informed him of her choice in September, just before the World Championships in Tokyo.

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He revealed that the 23-year-old athlete and her husband have relocated from Los Angeles, her training base under Bob Kersee, to Dallas.

Athing Mu-Nikolayev: Why She Has Parted Ways With Coach Bob Kersee

"She got married [in March]," Kersee explained. "Her and her husband were looking at a situation in Dallas. We met [before Worlds], and I didn’t have any animosity or anything like that. It was just a life decision."

Despite the professional separation, Bob Kersee spoke highly of his former charge. "I’m sure they’ll seek out good coaching, and once she’s healthy, then she’s going to be very difficult to beat. She’s that talented," he said.

"I think it was a blessing for me to coach her. I enjoyed coaching her. I loved her attitude, I loved her support. There’s nothing whatsoever I regret."

As of now, Athing Mu-Nikolayev's future coaching plans remain unclear, with her agent not immediately responding to requests for comment.

Athing Mu-Nikolayev: A Tumultuous Tenure Marked by Highs and Lows

When Athing Mu-Nikolayev joined Bob Kersee's camp three years ago, she was at the pinnacle of the sport, holding both the Olympic and World titles in the 800m, which she won under her college coach, Milton Mallard.

The move was seen by many as unconventional, given that Bob Kersee, while a legendary coach, is primarily known for his work with sprinters and jumpers, not middle-distance runners.

At the time, Athing Mu-Nikolayev was also struggling with the immense pressure and public spotlight that came with her success. The naturally joyful athlete admitted that the expectations were draining her love for running.

In her first year with Bob Kersee in 2023, she competed sparingly and even contemplated skipping the World Championships. She ultimately competed, securing a bronze medal, her first professional loss in the 800m.

She ended that season on a high note, however, winning the Diamond League title at the Prefontaine Classic with a new American record of 1:54.97.

That same year, Bob Kersee and Athing Mu-Nikolayev made the surprising decision to enter the 1500m at the US championships. Despite her background as a 400/800m specialist, she demonstrated remarkable range by finishing second. This fueled talk of a potential 800/1500m double at the 2024 Olympics.

However, the 2024 season turned into a disaster. A torn hamstring ahead of the Olympic Trials derailed her ambitions. Though she managed to reach the final, a fall just 200 meters into the race ended her hopes, and she finished last.

Her return in 2025 was a struggle. She dropped out of a 5,000m race in April and later ran a low-key 1500m. When she finally raced the 800m at the Prefontaine Classic in July, she appeared out of form, finishing last in 2:03.44.

While 2024 and 2025 may be viewed as lost years in the prime of one of America's greatest track talents, it is crucial to remember that Athing Mu-Nikolayev is still only 23 years old. Though he is no longer her coach, Kersee remains optimistic about her future.