Athing Mu is an American middle-distance runner who made history as the youngest woman to hold both Olympic and world titles in an individual track and field event. At just 19, she won gold in the 800 meters at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, setting a new national and continental under-20 record. Mu also clinched gold in the women's 4x400m relay. She continued her success by becoming the first American woman to win the 800m world championship in 2022.
Wyomia Tyus won the women's 100 meters at the 1964 Tokyo Games, becoming the youngest U.S. woman to achieve this feat before Athing Mu's win in the 800 meters.
In 1968, Madeline Manning became the last American woman before Athing Mu to win the Olympic gold in the 800 meters.
Dave Wottle won the men's 800 meters at the 1972 Munich Olympics, marking the last American victory in the event before Athing Mu's triumph.
Athing Mu was born on June 8, 2002.
In 2017, Ajeé Wilson set a national record in the 800 meters, which Athing Mu would later surpass.
On February 24, 2019, at the USA Indoor Track and Field Championships, Athing Mu broke the American women's record in the 600 meters with a time of 1:23.57, surpassing Alysia Montaño's previous record.
Athing Mu's last outdoor loss in any round, at any distance, occurred in September 2019, highlighting her dominant streak.
At just 16 years old, in 2019, Athing Mu set a world U20 best in the indoor 600 meters, a time that ranked as the third fastest ever run indoors.
Athing Mu graduated from Trenton Central High School in 2020.
Athing Mu qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics by winning the 800 meters at the US Olympic trials with a world-leading time of 1:56.07. At the Games, she won gold medals in both the women's 800 meters, setting a new American record, and the women's 4x400 meters relay.
In 2020, at the age of 19, Athing Mu achieved a historic win at the Tokyo Olympics, securing the gold medal in the women's 800 meters and the 4x400 meter relay.
Athing Mu had a remarkable day at the 2021 NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on June 12, 2021. She set a new collegiate all-time record in the 400 meters with a time of 49.57 seconds, securing victory in the event. Later, she anchored the Texas A&M Women's 4x400 meter relay team to a win and a new collegiate record of 3:22.34.
In early 2021, Athing Mu set a new world under-20 record in the women's indoor 800 meters.
Athing Mu continued her winning streak in 2022 by becoming the first American woman to win the 800m world championship title.
In 2023, Athing Mu competed in various competitions, including the World Championships in Budapest, where she placed third in the 800 meters. Notably, she set a new American record in the 800 meters at the Prefontaine Classic, winning the Diamond League final.
Athing Mu faced a setback at the 2024 United States Olympic trials when she fell during the 800m final after being tripped, resulting in her not qualifying for the Olympic Games.