“No One Surprised”: Track and Field Community Shrugs Off As Athing Mu Withdraws From the Prefontaine Classic

In the women’s 800m, 21-year-old Athing Mu established herself as a force to be reckoned with, becoming the first American woman to win the world championship title in 2022. Her 2023 track and field season, however, was a rollercoaster ride. In July, Mu was unsure if she even wanted to compete in the world championships in Budapest. When she finally decided to participate, she won a bronze medal but admitted that it was hard to feel the same excitement and motivation she had in previous seasons.

However, the following month, Mu made a stunning comeback by winning the 2023 Prefontaine Classic, aka the Diamond League final, and set a new American record with a time of 1:54.97 in the 800 meters, making her the eighth-fastest woman ever in that event. As the 2024 Prefontaine Classic approaches, many eagerly await Mu’s season debut. Unfortunately, she won’t be there to defend her title. Despite this news, the track and field community has largely shrugged off the update, saying it is ‘not surprising.’

Athing Mu won’t be defending her 2023 Prefontaine Classic title in the women’s 800-meter race

According to Runner’s World, Athing Mu won’t be competing in the women’s 800-meter race at the Prefontaine Classic on May 25, 2024. This is because she still has some soreness in her left hamstring, according to her coach, Bobby Kersee. This is the third time her hamstring issue has delayed her starting her season. She was first supposed to race at the Oxy Invitational in early May in Los Angeles, then at the Los Angeles Grand Prix on May 18, but she pulled out of both races to avoid making her injury worse.

Coach Kersee explained that they decide together whether she should compete, and their main goal is to make sure she’s ready for the 800-meter qualifying race at the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials on June 21. He mentioned that her training might go back to normal next week.

Noting her veteran status, Kersee said, “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.” However, this news has left the track and field community unfazed, reflecting a sense of disappointment faced once again.

Track and field community unfazed by the upsetting news

Track and field accounts like James Rhodes and Track & Field Gazette shared the news about Athing Mu’s withdrawal from the Prefontaine Classic in May, but the track and field community largely shrugged off the update. One fan noted that this was her third time pulling out of a competition, saying, “No one surprised. She pulls out of races all the time injury or not.” Another fan shared a GIF with a sarcastic reply that said, “Pretends to be shocked.”

A track and field enthusiast even suggested that Bobby Kersee should be replaced as her coach due to his role in delaying her 2024 debut, saying, “She needs to find a different coach.” However, some fans expressed concern for the athlete. One fan shared, “Hope she is better. Like something that can be fixed before the Paris Olympics.” Another fan commented that it’s good she is taking precautions due to the high stakes at the Paris Olympics, saying, “I hope she is ok. Better safe than sorry.” As fans hope to see the Tokyo Olympian shine in Paris as well, what are your thoughts on this update? Comment below!