What Happened to Athing Mu? Who is Athing Mu?
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Updated Jun 25, 2024
What Happened to Athing Mu?
At the U.S. Olympic track and field trials, disaster struck during the women's 800-meter final. Defending Olympic champion Athing Mu tripped and fell on the first lap after getting tangled with other runners. This fall placed her last in the race. Despite the setback, Mu displayed sportsmanship by continuing to run and finishing the race in last place at 2:19.69.
Mu had not competed since September 2023 due to a hamstring injury, and she appeared rusty during the preliminary rounds but improved in the semifinals. Unfortunately, her fall in the final cost her the chance to defend her Olympic gold medal at the Paris 2024 Games. Nia Akins won the final, followed by Allie Wilson and Juliette Whittaker. Mu, emotional after the race, will not be able to compete in the upcoming Olympics.
Who is Athing Mu?
Athing Mu, born on June 8, 2002, is an American middle-distance runner known for her incredible achievements at a young age. She made history by becoming the youngest woman to win both Olympic and world titles in an individual track and field event. At 19, Mu won the gold medal in the 800 meters at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, breaking the national record and setting a continental under-20 record. She also won a second gold medal as part of the women's 4 × 400 meters relay team.
In 2022, Mu became the first American woman to win the world championship title in the 800 meters. She holds the world under-20 record for the indoor 800 meters, set in early 2021, and the world U20 best in the indoor 600 meters, set when she was just 16. Her 600-meter time is the third fastest ever run indoors. Mu's remarkable speed and talent have made her a standout in track and field.
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Attribute | Details |
Full Name | Athing Mu |
Birth Date | June 8, 2002 (age 22 years) |
Birth Place | Trenton, New Jersey, United States |
Height | 1.78 meters |
Weight | 56 kilograms |
Nationality | American |
Education | Trenton Central High School |
Athing Mu Career
2019:
- February 24: Broke the American women's record in the 600 meters at the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships with a time of 1:23.57.
2021:
- February 6: Ran 50.52s in the women's indoor 400 meters, faster than the official world under-20 record.
- February 27: Set an indoor collegiate and world under-20 record in the 800 meters with a time of 1:58.40.
- April 17: Set the USA collegiate record in the outdoor 800 meters with a time of 1:57.73 in Waco, Texas.
- June 12: Lowered the collegiate all-time record in the 400 meters to 49.57s at the NCAA Championships; anchored Texas A&M's 4 × 400 meters relay team to a collegiate record of 3:22.34.
- June: Qualified for the Tokyo Olympics by winning the 800 meters at the US Olympic Trials with a time of 1:56.07.
- Tokyo Olympics: Won gold in the women's 800 meters (1:55.21) and the women's 4 × 400 meters relay.
- August: Set a new American record of 1:55.04 in the 800 meters at the Prefontaine Classic.
2022:
- July: Won gold in the women's 800 meters at the World Championships in Eugene, Oregon with a time of 1:56.30, becoming the first American woman to win the title.
2023:
- USA Outdoor Track and Field Championships: Competed in the 1500 meters and placed second.
- World Championships in Budapest: Placed third in the 800 meters.
- September: Won the Diamond League final in the 800 meters at the Prefontaine Classic with an American record time of 1:54.97.
2024:
- She returned to competition at the U.S. Olympic Trials after a nine-month hiatus.
- Fell during the 800-meter final and did not qualify for the 2024 Olympic Games.
Athing Mu Age
Athing Mu was born on June 8, 2002, making her 22 years old as of 2024. She achieved remarkable success at a young age, including Olympic and world titles.
Athing Mu Height
Athing Mu stands 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. Her height, combined with her long stride, contributes to her exceptional performance in middle-distance running. Mu's impressive stature has been a key factor in her success on the track