McPherson trains five to six days a week, dedicating four to five hours each day to her sessions. Her training regime is split between taekwondo and strength and conditioning. She is coached by Juan Miguel Moreno, a renowned coach based in the USA.

Achievements and Recognition

Throughout her career, McPherson has received several accolades. She won the Outstanding Female Athlete Award at the US national championships in 2009. In 2008, she was honoured with the Chris Canning Award of Excellence by USA Taekwondo for her academic and sporting achievements, as well as her community contributions.

Challenges and Setbacks

In early 2020, McPherson suffered several ligament sprains in her left ankle. Despite being advised to undergo surgery, she declined, fearing it could prevent her from competing at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Her determination to compete remained unwavering.

Philosophy and Inspiration

McPherson's sporting philosophy is encapsulated in her motto: "A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it, it just blooms." She encourages others to focus on their own journey rather than comparing themselves to others. Her idol is US taekwondo athlete Nia Abdallah.

Ambitions and Future Plans

McPherson had aimed to win a gold medal at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo. Although she planned to retire after these Games due to age and injuries, the postponement of the Olympics led her to delay retirement by a year. She remains committed to competing and achieving her goal.

Past Experiences

McPherson faced disappointment at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro when she lost in her opening round fight despite extensive preparation. This setback was particularly hard as she had dedicated four years of her life to winning gold.

Life Decisions

After high school, McPherson moved from Sturgis, South Dakota, to Miami, FL, USA, to train for the 2012 Olympic Games in London. She believed that moving to Miami was essential for pursuing her Olympic dreams.

McPherson's journey in taekwondo has been marked by dedication, resilience, and a strong sense of family. As she looks forward to competing in Tokyo, she remains an inspiration to many aspiring athletes.