"I think we all feel terrible for Athing Mu"- Michael Johnson reacts as defending Olympic champion fails to qualify for Paris Olympics 2024

Track legend Michael Johnson has expressed sorrow over Tokyo Olympic champion Athing Mu's unfortunate fall during the 800m finals at the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials 2024. Mu finished 8th after stumbling in the initial 200 meters of the race, meaning she will not be able to defend her 800m title at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Mu took the world by storm after breaking NCAA records at Texas A&M in the lead up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. She won the 800m title at the 2021 Olympic Trials, and then brought America its first 800m gold since 1968. The 22-year-old then defended her Olympic crown at the 2022 World Championships before settling for a silver in Budapest last year.

She was out of the circuit after the 2023 World Championships due to injuries, and didn't feature in even a single race until the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Trials. However, she cruised through the first round and then posted the fastest time in the 800m semifinals, emerging as the favorite for the finals, which were held on May 24.

Less than 200 meters into the race, Mu's bid for the Paris Olympics looked over after she stumbled on the track. She eventually finished 8th in a time of 2:19.69, more than 20 seconds slower than gold medalist Nia Atkins. As Atkins celebrated her triumph, Mu burst into tears. Former American sprinter Michael Johnson has claimed that he felt ‘terrible’ over what happened to the 22-year-old.

“I think we all feel terrible for Athing. Our US Trials selection policy works best because it eliminates politics in selection. And the strength and depth of the US team allows such a policy,” he said.

While Athing Mu and her coach, Boby Kersee, did file a complaint, it was denied, ending her chances of making it to the Olympics. Speaking on the matter, Johnson defended USA's policy, which only selects the top three finishers, stating that it worked best because of the abundance of talent in the nation. In other countries, though, sports committees have the authority to choose athletes based on their prior results in similar circumstances.

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Why was Athing Mu's appeal denied?

2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials - Track & Field - Day 4

Runners have the right to appeal in cases like the one involving Athing Mu, where it appeared that she tangled her feet with Raevyn Rogers. If it is determined that an athlete fell or stumbled due to an error made by another runner, those requests are typically granted. However, it didn't appear this way to the USATF officials, as they denied Mu a chance to defend her 800m Olympic title.

Athing Mu's coach, Boby Kersee, didn't have much to say after their appeal was declined. Much like Michael Johnson, he acknowledged the unforgiving nature of the U.S. Olympic selection.