Former Olympic champion Athing Mu is set to make a highly anticipated return to the track after a nine-month absence. The 22-year-old has signed up for the 5,000m at the 65th annual Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, California on Friday, April 18.
Mu’s last competitive outing ended in heartbreak when she tumbled during the 800m final at the trials, costing her a chance to defend her Olympic title in Paris.
Since then, the Tokyo 2020 gold medalist has taken time to recover, both physically and emotionally, even tying the knot during her break from competition. Now, refreshed and refocused, Athing Mu is ready to reignite her career.
Mu’s decision to debut in the 5,000m comes as a surprise, given her dominance in the 800m. Known for her explosive speed and tactical brilliance in the two-lap race, she has rarely competed in events beyond 1,500m. However, under the guidance of renowned coach Bobby Kersee, the shift could be a strategic move to build endurance before returning to her signature event.
The Mt. SAC Relays, scheduled for April 18, will serve as a crucial test for Mu as she gauges her fitness and race sharpness after nearly a year away. While the 5,000m is far from her comfort zone, a strong performance could signal her readiness to reclaim her throne in the 800m later in the season.
Before her setback in 2024, Mu was virtually unstoppable. After bursting onto the scene with Olympic gold in Tokyo, she followed up with a world title in 2022 and a bronze in 2023. Injuries and the trials mishap disrupted her momentum, but her talent remains undeniable. With the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo on the horizon, Mu has a golden opportunity to re-establish herself as the woman to beat in the 800m.