At 19-years-old, Trenton native Athing Mu just won the olympic gold medal in the women’s 800 meter final. She is now the first American woman to take this title in almost a half century and the second American woman ever to win the title joining Madeline Manning-Mims who grasped the gold 53 years ago in Mexico City.
Crossing the finish line in 1:55.21 seconds, Mu not only clinched the title, but broke an American record. She is the fastest woman in history over four- and eight-hundred meters for her age. Keely Hodgkinson of Great Britain clocked in second at 1:55.88 and American Raevyn Rogers finished third at 1:56.81.
“Born to Sudansese immigrant parents, Mu’s illustrious career…already brags of several records in the U20 races. At the age of 16, she broke records at the indoor U20 600m. She also holds the world record in U20 women’s 800m indoors with a commendable time of 1:58:04 seconds. Her 600m time, 1:23:57, is also the second-fastest indoors run time ever, and she also holds the record for being the second-fastest American woman in any condition. Born on June 8, 2002, in Trenton, New Jersey, Mu also holds a British nationality. And even though she keeps her personal life well away from the media spotlight, what might pique everyone’s curiosity is Mu’s stellar net worth after she bagged a solid Nike deal.” Source: MEA WorldWide
A graduate of Trenton Central High School, Mu began her journey at the Trenton Track Club and was named the 2020 National High School Indoor Athlete of the Year by Track and Field News. She now attends Texas A&M, where she holds the U-20 Indoor 400m NCAA record of 49:57 and 800m (1:57:73). On June 27, Mu won her first US outdoors title in the final 200m of the 800m setting a world-leading record and securing the second-fastest time in American history with 1:5607. The combination of her 400m speed and the tactical acumen that she displayed at her qualifying race for the US Olympic team made her a favorite to win the gold in Tokyo.
Not only will Athing Mu’s name be forever etched in the history books as an Olympic champion, but we’ll always reflect on those iconic words “Trenton Makes the World Takes” reminding us that this is a city of great dreams, great hope and great achievements.
Contratulations Athing! Well done.
