'A Lot More Freedom Now' - Athing Mu-Nikolayev Finds Relief in Letting Go of World Championships Pressure

Athing Mu-Nikolayev has expressed a sense of relief despite failing to make the women’s 800m team to the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, in September.

The 2022 world 800m champion has been improving steadily this season and was hoping to make the World Championships team at the US trials, but had to unfortunately let go of her dreams.

She started her campaign with a win in 2:00.06 in the 800m heats but stumbled in the semifinal, clocking 1:59.79 to finish fourth and failed to proceed to the final.

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Athing Mu-Nikolayev also endured a nightmare 2024 season as she failed to defend her title at the Paris Olympic Games, following a tragic fall in the women’s 800m final at the US Olympic Trials. She proceeded to finish ninth in the race, clocking 2:19.69.

Athing Mu-Nikolayev pointed out that she will now focus on races in Europe and was a bit relieved as the pressure of competing at the World Championships has eased.

“Not sure yet. I mean, there's still European races, of course, so if we want, we'll go out to Europe and race a bit more just to kind of finish off the season however we want,” Athing Mu-Nikolayev said as per Citius Mag.

“A lot more freedom now, not just holding on to the world championship. So, we kind of do whatever, but we'll go back and probably take a little break and then see what's moving forward.”

Athing Mu-Nikolayev revealed that her start was pretty good coming from lane two, as she explained that she did not want to go out too aggressively and suffer in the latter part of the race, but admitted she might have benefited from a slightly faster start.

Reflecting on the first lap, Athing Mu-Nikolayev said she could have been a bit more patient and aimed for a more comfortable position, ideally tucked in among the top three rather than running wide.

She noted that staying at the back longer and conserving the energy used to reposition herself might have helped her finish stronger.

Despite the outcome, she expressed satisfaction with her performance, noting it was her fastest time of the year and that she felt more competitive than in recent races.

She admitted to making a few tactical errors and being slightly impatient, but said it was part of learning to adapt to faster races.

“I just didn't have anything left in my legs towards the end. So, yeah, it was pretty tight. I think it's all right. I mean, I came to this meet pretty content and obviously hoping to make a team, but I'm also just happy to be here and be able to compete,” Athing Mu-Nikolayev said.

“Like I said, there's been a lot of mental breakthroughs that I had to get myself through. And so, getting myself even to this meet was a big challenge.

“And so, just thought I was still competitive. I felt pretty free and at peace throughout the rounds and wished I could be in the final, because I think it's going to be a pretty good one. But, this is where the Lord is leading me this year.”

Athing Mu-Nikolayev continues learning from her mistakes as she shifts focus to other races of the season after bidding farewell to the World Championships.