Why was Athing Mu's appeal rejected by USATF officials at US Track & Field Olympic Trials? Everything about the American's fall in 800m final

Reigning 800m Olympic champion, Athing Mu, did not qualify for the Paris Olympics 2024 after a devastating fall in the event's final on Day 4 of the US Olympic Track and Field trials. Her coach Bobby Kersee, made an appeal to the USATF officials, explaining the incident, which was later denied by them.

Mu faced a crash in the first 200m of the race and fell down. She couldn't match the pace of her competitors, which led to her finishing last at the race. The 22-year-old clocked 2:16.69 in the 800m race, and Nia Akins claimed the first position, recording a time of 1:57.36.

After the incident, Kersee claimed that Mu's trainer got tangled in the pack of runners and fell at the trials, which ripped her chance of defending the Olympic title in the 800m discipline. He stated that she got tripped by another runner in the first lap, which caused the whole episode.

Following the appeal, the USATF officials observed the race's clips from each angle but eventually denied the appeal without disclosing any specific details. An athlete intentionally obstructing another athlete is fairly considered in every situation. However, unitentional crashes are said to be a normal part of racing.

Kersee also revealed that Athing Mu has sustained cuts from the fall and has also hurt her ankle. Disappointed with the decision of the officials, the runner's coach said:

"I've coached it, I've preached it, I've watched it. And here's another indication that regardless of how good we are, we can leave some better athletes home than other countries have. It's part of our American way."

Rai Benjamin and Michael Johnson speak out in support of Athing Mu

After the unexpected fall of Athing Mu at the trials, the track and field world sympathized with her on social media and in interviews. Rai Benjamin, who is the second-fastest 400m hurdler in history, rallied in support for Mu and expressed his disappointment about the incident.

"It's tough to see, especially for someone like Athing, who you know could win a gold medal," said Benjamin. "And you just, you feel for her, beacuse it's, like, she's supposed to be there, you know? But that's just USA Track & Field. Like, it's the hardest team to make, and anything can happen here." (via NBC Olympics)

After Benjamin, track and field legend Michael Johnson also came in support of Athing Mu. He took to his X handle, and wrote:

"I think we all feel terrible for Athing. Our US Trials selection policy works best because it eliminates policies in selection. And the strength and depth of the US team allows such a policy."

Athing Mu was on a hiatus after the 2023 World Championships due to injuries and did not compete in any event in the 2024 season until the Olympic trials to prioritize her health.