Athing Mu was widely viewed as a lock to make Team USA's track squad for the 2024 Olympics.
Instead, disaster struck, and the reigning Olympic gold medalist in the 800m race will not be heading to Paris.
Mu suffered a fall at Monday's U.S. Olympic track and field trials that caused her to finish at the back of the pack in the 800m race.
Team USA's roster is based entirely on the results produced at the Olympic trials. Mu's time in the 800m race — 20-plus seconds worse than the top-three in the race — will not be good enough to get her into the Olympic field.
Here's what to know about the 22-year-old's slip-up, as the Tokyo star misses out on a chance to defend her world title.
MORE: Full schedule, results from U.S. track and field trials
Athing Mu falls
Mu's fall occurred roughly 200m into the 800m race. The 22-year-old was in the middle of the pack of runners when she suddenly veered slightly to her left.
In doing so, Mu made contact with Raevyn Rogers, and their feet nearly got tangled. The contact threw Mu off-balance and sent her tumbling to the ground. Rogers managed to stay upright while the other runners also dodged Mu and kept going.
By the time Mu got back up and into a rhythm, it was too late to make up much ground in the race.
Dramatic final in the #TrackFieldTrials24 women's 800m.
— NBC Olympics & Paralympics (@NBCOlympics) June 25, 2024
American record-holder Athing Mu falls 200m into the race and Nia Akins wins, running the fastest time of her life (1:57.36). pic.twitter.com/j0SCWtGjA3
Mu holds the American record in the 800m race, so she was expected to win at the trials. At the very least, the Texas A&M product was expected to finish in the top three even despite injury issues that had sidelined her until the beginning of the track and field trials.
Instead, Mu suffered the fall that ended her chance to represent Team USA in the 800m race.
Mu did appeal the race, as coach Bobby Kersee claimed she was clipped by another runner at the end of the first lap. That's what he believed caused her to veer left, per ESPN.
USA Track and Field denied the appeal after reviewing footage of the race.
LIVE: Updated results from 2024 U.S. Olympic track and field trials
Can Athing Mu still make the 2024 Olympics?
No, Mu will not be going to Paris for the Olympics after her fall. The 800m race was her focus for the Summer Games, but her last-place finish at the final prevented her from qualifying — or even being considered a top alternate.
Team USA's track and field roster is based entirely on the performance of athletes at the U.S. track and field trials. Unlike some other countries, the United States doesn't have a safety net that can help rescue top-tier talents or reigning medalists should they fail to qualify at the team trials.
If Team USA had such a policy, Mu — a two-time Olympic gold medalist — would have likely drawn consideration for the squad despite her performance.
Instead, she will be unable to defend her 800m gold medal in 2024 and will shift her focus to the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles.
MORE: Tracking Sha'Carri Richardson's results at 2024 Olympic trials
Athing Mu Olympic history
Mu qualified for the Tokyo Olympics, which were held in 2021 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. She earned two gold medals at the event, one in the 800m race and one as part of Team USA's 4x400 relay.
Mu was just 19 when she won her first two medals. She became the youngest woman in history to hold Olympic and world titles in an individual track and field event after winning gold in the 800m race at the 2022 World Championships.
Mu well could get a chance to add more medals to her Olympic tally, but she will wait until 2028 to do that.
