Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
USA TODAY
Athing Mu's appeal denied in 800 after fall at Olympic trials
By Tyler Dragon, USA TODAY,
4 days ago
EUGENE, Ore. — There will be a new Olympic champion in the women’s 800 meters this year.
Track and field officials denied Athing Mu’s appeal after the 800 American record-holder stumbled and fell to the track during the first lap of the final on Monday night.
Nia Akins ended up winning the final, running a 1:57.36. Allie Wilson placed second at 1:58.32 and Juliette Whittaker came in third at 1:58.45.
What happened to Athing Mu?
Mu got tangled up in the pack of runners as she tried to gain position in the inside lane during the first lap. She lost her footing and fell to the track as the others ran by. Mu was behind the pack by a wide margin by the time she was able to regain her footing.
Olympic gold medalist Athing Mu falls on the first lap of the 800-meter final during the US Olympic Track and Field Team Trials. Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports
Mu continued to run but she was not in contention. She eventually crossed the finish line in last place with a time of 2:19.69. After Mu finished, she exited the track visibly emotional.
USA Track and Field officials reviewed the race footage and denied Mu’s appeal.
Athing Mu’s 2024 season
Mu’s stunning fall underscored what’s been a tough season for the 22-year-old. She battled a hamstring injury for most of the year and made her season debut at the U.S. Olympic track and field trials.
Mu won gold in the 800 at the Tokyo Olympics in which became the first American woman to win an Olympic gold medal in the event since Madeline Manning did it at the 1968 Mexico City Games. Mu's also a 2022 world champion in the event.
Can Athing Mu compete in Paris Olympics?
Mu’s appeal was denied which means she won’t be able to compete at the Paris Olympics in the 800. But she is a candidate for the 4x400 relay pool. The relay pool will be selected at a later date.
Mu was a member of Team USA’s 4x400 gold-medal winning squad at the Tokyo Olympics.
Get updates delivered to you daily. Free and customizable.
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.
Comments / 0