Emily Mackay’s split from New Balance Boston less than a year after her Olympic debut has sent ripples through the US middle-distance running community. The 27-year-old’s decision comes on the heels of a breakout 2024 season. At the 2024 World Indoor Championships, Emily Mackay clinched bronze and rocketed to third on the US all-time 1500m list with a blistering 3:55.90 at the Olympic Trials.
Meanwhile, Mackay’s journey with New Balance Boston began in the summer of 2022. Fresh off a collegiate career at Binghamton University, where she had steadily built her reputation. Under the guidance of coach Mark Coogan and training alongside Olympians Heather MacLean and Elle St. Pierre, Mackay’s progression was swift and impressive.
Emily Mackay 4-minute Barrier
In 2023, Emily Mackay shaved nearly nine seconds off her 1500m personal best in just over a year, breaking the 4-minute barrier. Thus established herself as a formidable force on the American middle-distance scene.
Yet, the tides shifted in early 2025. The New Balance Boston camp faced unexpected challenges: Elle St. Pierre stepped away on maternity leave, and promising newcomer Parker Valby has been sidelined by injury since February. These disruptions left the group in flux during a critical training phase.
According to Mackay’s agent, Ray Flynn, while she remains sponsored by New Balance, she has yet to commit to a new training setup. The move hints at a strategic recalibration as Emily Mackay seeks an environment that aligns more closely with her evolving goals. Perhaps one that can propel her beyond her recent successes and toward future Olympic glory.
However, Coach Coogan declined to comment, and Emily Mackay has remained tight-lipped on the matter. But insiders suggest that a mix of team instability and Mackay’s ambitions catalysed the split.
Moreover, Emily Mackay, in less than a year after announcing herself on the Olympic stage, now faces the challenge of redefining her legacy.
