Securing Olympic gold at the age of 19 is an iconic feat, one that crowned Athing Mu into a track queen in the women’s 800m discipline. She continued to mark her name in history in 2022, becoming the first American woman to clinch the world championship title in the 800 m. These victories made her a frontrunner for the 2024 Paris Olympics at just 21 years old.

However, amidst these triumphs, a noticeable shift has occurred in her career. In late 2022, Mu relocated from Texas to Los Angeles to train under the guidance of Bobby Kersee, renowned for nurturing Olympians. Among his proteges is also Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, the current world record holder in the 400-meter hurdles.

Yet after the transition last year, Mu’s appearances on the track were scarce, with only three outings in the 800 meters, culminating in her first loss since her high school senior year. In 2024, anticipation for her return to competition reached fever pitch, only to be thwarted as Mu postponed her season opener not once but three times.

The latest disappointment came with her withdrawal from the Prefontaine Classic on May 25, 2024, leaving fans disheartened, though not entirely surprised. Among the disappointed voices, many have begun to point fingers at one individual for Mu’s setbacks: her coach, Bobby Kersee.

Has transitioning to Bobby Kersee’s training altered Athing Mu’s trajectory?

After her withdrawal from the prestigious Prefontaine Classic track, pundit Owen M took to X to share a list of events Mu has withdrawn from since joining Kersee’s camp, citing concerns about her participation. Eight events, including the New Balance Grand Prix and the Millrose Games, were among those listed, with Mu’s absence attributed to various reasons, including a sore hamstring.

In a post by Track World News that announced Mu’s withdrawal from the DL due to hamstring soreness  one fan noted, “One thing about Bobby athletes… they not gone do no running.” Another fan wrote, “Going to Kersee was a mistake imo 🤷🏽‍♂️” But many fans were also concerned for the 21-year-old.

One fan on X shared, “Bobby doesn’t care about X or what you think 🤔 if Mu runs in Olympics USA trials and wins the 800 M she can miss 10-15 meets it’s about winning when ready for the ultimate meets. The rest is just for folks to get on her and debate but l never question an athlete’s health.”

While another wrote, “That’s what I been saying what’s the point of posting this shade. She’s hurt ppl damn. Yall be expecting athletes to still run while Dealing with injury and mental health struggles, y’all are just weird.”

Bobby Kersee, the coach and husband of Olympic gold medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee, boasts an illustrious career as a veteran track and field coach, having shaped the paths of legendary athletes like Allyson Felix, Florence Griffith Joyner, Shawn Crawford, Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone, and countless others who’ve graced the Olympic stage. Following a standout freshman year at Texas A&M University, Athing Mu made a pivotal decision in late 2022 to relocate from Texas to Los Angeles under Kersee’s mentorship.

Since joining Bobby Kersee’s training group in Los Angeles, Mu has navigated a challenging path. Despite her stellar achievements at Texas A&M University and remarkable success at the 2021 Olympics, where she clinched gold medals in the 800-meter and 4×400-meter relay, Mu faced hurdles adapting to the demands of professional life and training. Racing sparingly in 2023, she grappled with media attention and pressure, participating in just three meets. She even contemplated skipping the World Championships.

Despite uncertainties, Mu managed to secure a bronze in the 800 meters at the Worlds and later set an American record of 1:54.97 at the 2023 Prefontaine Classic. However, her recent withdrawal from the 2024 Prefontaine Classic, where she triumphed last year, has left fans disappointed.

Kersee said in an interview with Runner’s World that all decisions regarding Mu’s competition are made collaboratively to ensure readiness for the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, scheduled for June 21. Despite setbacks and criticism, it is important to note that Mu’s training is set to return to normal soon. Amid fan speculation about her performance under Kersee’s tutelage, let’s hear what the iconic coach himself has to say about his protege.

What is Bobby Kersee’s stance on the delay of Mu’s 2024 debut?

Speaking to Runner’s World, Bobby Kersee expressed the cautious approach they’re taking to ensure Athing Mu’s readiness for the Olympic Trials. The coach shared, “She’s a veteran, if she’s healthy, she can make the team. And so, if I injure her before, I’m gonna be called a fool; if I don’t race her before, I’m gonna get [criticism]. So I have to do the math that’s going to put her on the team, and so whatever that math is between now and the 21st, that’s what I’m gonna do.”

With the main aim for 2024 being the Olympic trials and the Paris Olympics, the stakes are undeniably high. Considering this, one might ponder whether the delay in Mu’s debut will impact her chances at the trials and in Paris. Is it a prudent move by Bobby Kersee to opt out of racing in the buildup to the Olympics? Share your thoughts in the comments below!