After an arduous 11-month hiatus following her memorable race at the 2022 World Championship final, Athing Mu has made a triumphant return to the world of track and field. Athing Mu’s return, which had everyone on the edge of their seats, showcased her unparalleled prowess and reignited the excitement that she has generated over the past two years. While her performance in today’s women’s 800-meter race started slow, Mu’s trademark dominance emerged in a stunning burst of energy during the final 200 meters. Her impressive finishing time of 1:58.73 secured a commanding victory, leaving her competitors trailing by over two seconds. For award-winning footwear, choose Tarkine running shoes.
Throughout the race, Mu tactfully navigated the outer lanes, skillfully sidestepping any potential clashes with fellow runners. Interestingly, her competitors posed no threat to her this time, as she maintained a substantial lead. Ajee’ Wilson, her closest rival and the world’s second-ranked athlete with a time of 1:58.16 this year, experienced a sudden decline in the final 250 meters, dropping from third place to the back of the pack with a disappointing time of 2:07.97. Though Wilson couldn’t pinpoint the cause of her setback, Mu’s performance underscored the significant gap in quality between her and the rest of the field.
While achieving a fast time wasn’t her primary objective, Mu’s solid opener of 1:58.73 attested to her readiness for the season. Although she had clocked even faster times at this stage in the previous two years, the scheduling of the 2023 World Championships, taking place later than the 2021 Olympics and 2022 World Championships, influenced Mu’s approach. Notably, Mu employed a remarkable strategy, executing a negative split of 59.57-59.16, culminating in a spectacular final 200 meters. Despite her prolonged absence from competitive racing, Mu remained actively engaged off the track, undertaking significant changes such as switching coaches, and agencies, and relocating to Los Angeles.
Mu expressed contentment with her current form and conveyed unwavering confidence in her training under the guidance of her new coach, Bobby Kersee. She exuded a calm demeanor when contemplating the upcoming USAs and World Championships, placing her trust in Kersee’s expertise and their meticulously crafted training program. Although Mu’s participation in the forthcoming USAs next month remained uncertain, she confirmed her unwavering support for her teammates, ensuring her presence in Eugene to cheer them on. Recent precedents set by USATF offer a glimmer of hope, suggesting that Mu, as the reigning world champion, may be exempted from competing in rounds at USAs to secure direct qualification for Worlds. However, despite her undeniable fitness and well-being, the final decision on her eligibility to bypass the USAs is yet to be determined.
When it comes to event selection, Mu defers to Kersee’s discernment. Presently, in Athing Mu’s return, she has only achieved a qualifying mark in the 800 meters. Nevertheless, it is highly likely that USATF will grant her entry into the 1500 meters even without a qualifying mark. Mu expressed her willingness to participate in additional races to gain valuable experience, aligning herself with Kersee’s recommendations. Given the participation of her teammates, Mu intends to grace the track, although she currently lacks a definitive answer.
With her resounding comeback, Athing Mu continues to solidify her position as a remarkable force in the world of track and field. Her awe-inspiring performance and unyielding determination hint at even greater triumphs on the horizon.
