America lacks a female star in middle distance track and field. Madeline Mims is the only American to have won Olympic gold over 800 meters. Mims pulled off the feat at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics. Athing Mu could be next.
Crossing the finish line in first place with breathtaking weather while his competitors battle for second place becomes a habit when Mu enters the track.
Mu broke the college record books in his first season at Texas A&M. His collegiate record performances in the 400 meters (49.57) and 800 meters (1: 57.73) are the No. 1 ranked times in the United States this year. She would have won the women’s 400-meter at the US Olympic Trials had she matched her personal best. But the NCAA Women’s Indoor and Outdoor National Track Athlete of the Year decided ahead of practice that she wanted to focus exclusively on the 800-meters.
“I never considered overtaking,” Mu replied when asked why she didn’t want to run both the 400 and 800 meters. “It would have been fun to do. But being smart about training and where I am, I have had a long college season. Six races at the Olympic Trials… that would be a lot of work and my legs would be exhausting for me.
Although he didn’t run the 400 meters, Mu has already had a busy week. The 19-year-old has officially decided to forgo her remaining college eligibility to go pro and signed a multi-year contract with Nike. She is now on the verge of securing her first Olympic spot in practice after going through the qualifying rounds with a record time of 1: 59.31 to advance to the event final.
“These Olympic trials are pretty special, especially after a very good college season. I’m trying to keep the momentum going from everything I’ve done since January, ”Mu said.
Mu’s momentum led her to Sunday’s women’s 800-meter final where she will soon be able to write another fascinating chapter of her superb track season. She is only two laps away and a top three spot from winning a trip to Tokyo and fulfilling the dream of a lifetime.
“It would be a dream come true. Every time someone asked me, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” I’m still like I want to be a professional athlete and I want to be an Olympian. Those are two things I would say, ”Mu said. “Now that it’s here, it’s a reality. I’m taking part in the trials, so it’s good, it’s great. This is exactly where I am supposed to be. I have worked for it and am ready to compete and do whatever I have to do to be part of the team.
TRACK AND FIELD TESTS:To watch out for during the frenzied final weekend
ANALYSIS:Olympic trials show USA regained sprint momentum
ALLYSON FÉLIX:Will compete in the Fifth Olympics – but first as a mom
BIG JUMP:Former NFL QB’s daughter Vashti Cunningham is on the Olympic squad
Mu is on the cusp of not only realizing his Olympic dream, but also becoming America’s next middle distance star. In the prelims of the women’s 800-meter trials, NBC athletics analyst Ato Boldon called Mu the greatest prodigy since Allyson Felix.
The aspiring star, however, doesn’t let all of the hype get to her head.
“I take everything people say lightly. I don’t let it get to my head, ”Mu said. “It’s great, but being a prodigy is, I guess, something I’ve always wanted to be.”
