American mid-distance runner Athing Mu was supposed to become a household name during the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. As a defending Olympic Champion in the 800m, this was really going to be her time to establish herself as a star everybody knew.
But, on Monday, what should’ve been a routine race at the USA Track And Field Olympic Trials in Eugene, Oregon turned into a nightmare for not just Athing Mu, but for Team USA.
Mu, a pretty strong favorite to win the Olympic Gold this year, was expected to cruise through the race and make the Olympics. But, as previously mentioned, disaster struck.
Oh, no. That is a complete disaster for Athing Mu, as she was unable to recover, and will miss the Olympics in the event, the only one she’s running at Olympic Trials as of now.
The national record holder in the event will now have to hope to be selected for the 4x400m relay team if she wishes to compete in Paris.
This incident makes many think that maybe Team USA should put her on the Olympic team anyways at the event. After all, she’s definitely their best runner in the event, and she tripped and fell. It wasn’t like she was outperformed.
But, at the end of the day, you’ve got to get it done on the important days. Whether it’s her fault or not, Athing Mu didn’t get it done on Monday.
Luckily, at just 22-years-old, she’s set up perfectly for a redemption story in four years in Los Angeles for the 2028 Summer Olympics.