An Injury, Fall and Unforgiving U.S. System Leave Athing Mu on the Outside
A Disappointing Fall
Track star Athing Mu, the defending Olympic champion in the 800 meters, experienced a heartbreaking fall during the U.S. Olympic Trials. Despite finishing the race, Mu didn't qualify for the Olympics. Her team appealed, claiming she was tripped by another runner, but the appeal was denied.

Injury Woes
Mu had been dealing with a hamstring injury leading up to the trials. She tore her hamstring weeks before, limiting her training significantly. Despite undergoing intensive treatment, she could only do limited workouts before the trials. During the trials, Mu's injury and lack of training caught up with her, resulting in her fall and subsequent failure to qualify for the Olympics.