American middle-distance star Athing Mu-Nikolayev will be aiming to rediscover her best form and her joy when she lines up for the women’s 800 meters at the Prefontaine Classic this Saturday in Eugene, Oregon.
The 23-year-old returns to Hayward Field for her first major two-lap race since a painful fall ended her 2024 Olympic hopes. In a dramatic moment during last year’s U.S. Olympic Trials, Mu tripped on the backstretch of the final and walked off the track in tears, tearing her bib in frustration.
Mu, the 2021 Olympic and 2022 world champion, has been open about the emotional and physical toll of the sport. But the Prefontaine Classic offers a chance to reset. Facing a loaded field that includes five of last summer’s Olympic finalists.
Among her rivals will be Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma and Kenya’s Mary Moraa, who won silver and bronze respectively at the Paris Olympics. Also in the mix are former Oregon NCAA champion Raevyn Rogers ,who finished behind Mu for bronze in Tokyo. Scotland’s Jemma Reekie, the 2024 World Indoor silver medalist is also lined up.
Athing Mu-Nikolayev enters as one of the most decorated American middle-distance athletes of her generation. At just 19, she stormed to Olympic gold in Tokyo, breaking Ajeé Wilson’s American record in the process. She added a second gold in the 4x400m relay and backed it up with a world title in 2022. She became the first American woman to win the 800m at the World Championships.
She still holds the world U20 indoor record in the 800m and the world U20 best in the 600m, set at age 16. But more than records, Mu is now chasing something less tangible , the spark that made her fall in love with running in the first place.
Saturday’s race will be a crucial test. It could be a sign of a resurgent season. The Last time Mu raced at the Prefontaine Classic, she ran a 1:54.97 800m American Record. Will the World experience another magic?
