Athing Mu Reveals Specific Targets in 2025 After Missing Paris Olympics

Athing Mu is eyeing a return to her heights from 2021 when she won the 800m Olympic gold. Image source: Imago

Athing Mu Reveals Specific Targets in 2025 After Missing Paris Olympics

Mark Kinyanjui 04:03 - 10.05.2025

Athing Mu is eyeing a strong 2025 following a challenging 2024 season that saw her battle injuries as well as painfully miss out on the Olympics.

After a difficult 2024 season that saw her miss out on a chance to defend her Olympic title in Paris, American middle-distance star Athing Mu is keeping things simple in 2025 — stay healthy, have fun, and kick some butt when it counts.

Mu ran her first race in nine months, when she featured in the 5,000m at the Mt SAC Relays at Hilmer Lodge Stadium in California last weekend, but could not finish, dropping out after 3,000m.

Speaking to Runnerspace, the Olympic 800m gold medalist from Tokyo 2020 opened up about her refreshed mindset after a year marred by injury and heartbreak. 

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While she hasn't laid out any major targets yet, Mu admitted that returning to Tokyo for the World Championships would carry deep personal meaning.

“I don’t know... I kind of have not put too many goals out there,” she said. “Of course we know there’s Worlds this year, and the last time I ran in Tokyo was for the Olympics four years ago. So hopefully doing that full circle moment will be really fun.”

Athing Mu Reveals Specific Targets in 2025 After Missing Paris Olympics
Athing Mu Athing Mu Reveals Specific Targets in 2025 After Missing Paris Olympics

In 2024, Mu stunned fans when she failed to qualify for the Olympics after tripping during  the U.S. Trials — a devastating outcome for the reigning champion who had battled injuries all year. 

But her tone now is far more optimistic, focused on healing and regaining joy on the track.

“Just praying for a healthy and safe season for me — to not be injured — and just to be able to compete and have fun again,” she shared. “And, you know, hopefully make it to Worlds and kick some butt there.”

Mu, who still holds the American record in the women’s 800m, emphasized that she and her team are approaching this season with care. 

While she didn’t reveal her full racing schedule, the priority is staying fit and building momentum steadily.

“We’re still planning out our schedule,” she said. “We’re really focusing on just staying healthy this year and getting into races just to have fun... getting strength here and there.”

“The trajectory of the year is the same — we’re going to put ourselves in the places that'll be best for us in terms of racing and competing,” she added. “We’ll just see where it takes us and try to have fun with it.”

With her trademark calm confidence and a season centered on joy and resilience, Athing Mu is once again poised to remind the world why she’s one of the sport’s brightest stars.

Athing Mu Reveals Specific Targets in 2025 After Missing Paris Olympics
Athing Mu. Photo. Imago Athing Mu Reveals Specific Targets in 2025 After Missing Paris Olympics
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