- Athing Mu suffered a devastating setback
- A fall at the 200m mark in the final dashed her hopes
- The US trials are notoriously unforgiving
Athing Mu, the reigning Olympic champion in the women’s 800m, suffered a devastating setback at the US trials in Eugene, Oregon.
A fall at the 200m mark in the final dashed her hopes of defending her title at the Paris Games.
Mu, a rising star who shone at the Tokyo Games, visibly struggled after the tumble. Despite a valiant effort, she crossed the finish line in tears, unable to qualify for the Olympic team.
The US trials are notoriously unforgiving, with only the top three finishers in each event securing a spot on the Olympic team. Mu, the 2022 world champion, had been sidelined due to injury and hadn’t competed all season. Though she looked promising in the earlier rounds, her fall proved to be a heartbreaking turning point.
Nia Akins emerged victorious in the 800m, securing her place in Paris alongside Allie Wilson and Juliette Whittaker.
The day also saw victories for Quincy Hall in the men’s 400m and Grant Holloway in the 110m hurdles. 16-year-old prodigy Quincy Wilson narrowly missed an automatic qualifying spot in the 400m but might still vie for a chance as part of the relay team.
