Countless eyes in the track and field world have been eagerly awaiting the return of Athing Mu, the reigning 800-meter Olympic track and field champion, in 2024. Since her stellar double gold performance at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, where she also triumphed in the women’s 4 × 400 meters relay, Mu’s path has been anything but straightforward. She’s postponed her season opener not just once, but four times. In late 2022, she made a big move from Texas to Los Angeles to train under the wing of Bobby Kersee, a coach with a stellar track record of nurturing Olympians.

However, her 2023 season was marked by sparse appearances on the track, only competing in three meets. She even considered skipping the World Championships amidst media attention and pressure. Despite these challenges, Mu clinched a bronze in the 800 meters at the Worlds and later smashed the American record at the 2023 Prefontaine Classic. Despite fans’ frustration over the delays of both Athing Mu and her coach, she is finally poised to make a blazing debut in the Olympic year 2024; however, her past delays have left the track and field community divided.

Athing Mu hopes to clinch a ticket to the Paris Olympics as she makes her season debut

In a post on X by CITIUS MAG, it was announced that “For those who were maybe a bit worried – Reigning Olympic 800m champion Athing Mu has declared for the 800m at the upcoming U.S. Olympic Trials.“ Her 2024 season will kick off with the first round on Friday, June 21st, followed by the semifinal on Sunday, June 23rd, and the final on Monday, June 24th, at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon.

This year, Athing Mu delayed her start four times, originally planning to compete at the Oxy Invitational in early May and then at the Los Angeles Grand Prix on May 18 to avoid aggravating her injury. She also pulled out of the women’s 800-meter race at the Prefontaine Classic on May 25, 2024, due to a sore hamstring, and had to withdraw from the 400m at the LA Grand Prix just days before. As news of her return spread across the internet, fans, however, expressed a mix of excitement and concern about her comeback.

The divided fan sentiment in the track and field community

Track and field enthusiasts gathered on X to share their thoughts and opinions about Athing Mu’s debut at the 2024 United States Olympic Trials, set to take place from June 21st to 30th. One concerned fan voiced, “Hoping after Trials she runs a couple DL meets to get more race sharp,” expressing concerns that her lack of racing this year might affect her chances of retaining Olympic gold in Paris. They also added that more practice at the Diamond League would sharpen her quest for Paris.

Another fan expressed a similar sentiment and was also left concerned due to her injury, which has kept her out of competition for the past six months, saying, “Still worried.” In contrast, an emotional fan expressed relief, exclaiming, “Good very good 🤧“ upon hearing of Mu’s return to competition. Reflecting on Mu’s absence from the 800m events recently, another fan lamented, “I miss her 😢“Amidst these sentiments, one fan eagerly exclaimed, “The Queen is making her return,“ showcasing excitement for Mu’s comeback.

Lastly, a fan encapsulated the sentiment of the track and field community, sighing, “Oh, how I’ve missed her.” As fans eagerly anticipate the return of 22-year-old Athing Mu at the 2024 US Olympic Trials, do you think she’ll be prepared to secure her ticket to the Paris Olympics, even though she’s been absent from races leading up to the event? Share your thoughts below!