The question is still ruling the track and field communities: was there any conspiracy behind Athing Mu’s fall in the 800m event in US Olympic trials on June 25? However, the USATF did not pay heed to this. Rather, in their book, the two-time Olympic champion is someone who couldn’t qualify for the Paris Olympics because of her ranking on the leaderboard. Meanwhile, a report has come to the fore that has many things to disclose on the matter. It shows Athing Mu’s questionable fitness level just a few weeks before she headed for Eugene trials. 

As per a news article published by Sports Illustrated, Athing Mu had a torn hamstring just weeks before the US Olympic trials. The same article includes a clip where the middle distance runner rode a scooter on the track, keeping her left foot on the scooter’s seat and pushing it with her right leg. Meanwhile, Athing could be heard saying, “Four weeks before Olympic trials, I tore my hamstring. So fun!”. According to her manager, Athing Mu had to take “multiple PRP injections,” in that duration to gain her fitness. However, a little progress was achieved before landing in Eugene.

To make matters worse, she didn’t participate in any running session until one week before the US Olympic trials. But when did she have her injury? Her coach Bob Kersee never turned any page on such an existence.  

After September 2023, Athing Mu did not participate in any track meet. She was on the list of a few. However, the last-minute withdrawal in those cases raised a few eyebrows. Now, the aforementioned article depicts that Athing Mu had a high chance of entering the LA Grand Prix. But the soreness in her left hamstring made her step away. For her, the next station could be the Prefontaine Classic at the Hayward Field on May 25. But reaching that day, the pain in the left hamstring doubled. After that, the doctor reported that Athing had a torn hamstring. That sounded a death knell of her dream to defend her 800m title in Paris. But she and her team didn’t lose hope. 

Rather, entering the trials as well, a lot of therapy followed the Trenton native to gain full health. But a quick revival was never on the platter. Yet, Bob Kersee reminded her about technicalities, to avoid the clipping in the race on the final day. Unfortunately, nothing came to the rescue as Athing Mu clipped with Raevyn Rogers and tumbled on the track. Later, Bob Kersee had many things to add regarding his mentee’s disqualification. 

Athing Mu remains to be a track and field puzzle 

After Athing Mu’s disqualification from the final 800m trial event, Bob Kersee appealed to the USATF to review her case. However, the authority flouted any reason that could have led to the presence of foul play. But Bob repeatedly argued over the mark of spikes on Athing Mu’s leg being the proof of a conspiracy to unsettle the runner on the track. Eventually, on June 25, Athing’s fall displayed several runners unsettled on the track. Nonetheless, no one tumbled like the 22-year-old Olympian. So factors like lack of precautions and lower physical fitness level gain further air. 

Still, Athing Mu has an option to appear in the 4x400m relay event using the discretionary rule. But if her physical fitness is still not up to the mark, then that event could also be jeopardized. Notably, no one has come forward to shed light on her present fitness yet. Meanwhile, Bob Kersee’s words may give a feeling of a reality. 

The veteran coach argued, “I’ve coached it, I’ve preached it, I’ve watched it. And here’s another indication that regardless of how good we are, we can leave some better athletes home than other countries have. It’s part of our American way.” What do you think about this entire fiasco?