Coco Gauff Discusses What Held Her Back From Pursuing a Possible Olympic Career in Track & Field.
After a disappointing debut at the Paris Olympics, Gauff has embraced a cheerleading role for Team USA as they secure gold medals and set world records. Her recent thoughts about trying her hand at a track event are not impulsive but rather a motivated desire to run. Inspired by athletes like Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and her own genetics, she feels invigorated. Have you ever wondered if she could have been a track star?
Currently at the Canadian Open, preparing to defend her US Open title, Gauff hasn’t shied away from supporting others, even stepping into a commentary role as Tara Davis-Woodhall clinches gold in the long jump. As Team USA shines on the track, Gauff shared her own past experiences with the sport. In middle school, she dominated her races, losing only twice to the same eighth-grader—remarkably, without any formal training in track.
During a press conference, when asked if she ever thinks about what could have been if she had pursued track, especially while watching competitions, the 20-year-old responded candidly after her win against Yafan Wang. She stated, “Yeah, I actually do. I feel like if I had trained, I could have been an Olympian,” acknowledging uncertainty about whether she would have excelled in track as she does in tennis.
Gauff often contemplates a potential track career and has even suggested to her father the idea of competing in local meets during the off-season, mainly out of curiosity about her current abilities. While she recognizes the need to learn how to start from blocks, she is interested in racing just for fun without extensive training to gauge her time.
Track and field runs in her family, as her mother was a runner for Florida State. Reflecting on her potential in track, Gauff believes she would excel in the 400m, a grueling test of endurance, strength, and speed. Notably, 100m champion Noah Lyles has mentioned he sees her as a potential 400m hurdles athlete, although Gauff admits she is “scared” of hurdles, preferring to stick to the 400m.
There’s no stopping a talented and hardworking individual like Gauff. Despite her Olympic setback, the World No. 2 remains upbeat, focusing on her upcoming challenges at the US Open.
Gauff was determined to achieve her goal of winning an Olympic medal in Paris, entering multiple events to increase her chances. Unfortunately, the coveted medal slipped through her fingers. However, she doesn’t dwell on her disappointment and instead gained invaluable experience to prepare for future competitions.
