Athing Mu Advances to Worlds 800-Meter Semifinal in Bedazzled Blue Spikes…

Athing Mu Advances to Worlds 800-Meter Semifinal in Bedazzled Blue Spikes

 

Eugene, Oregon — Athing Mu, the reigning Olympic and World Champion in the 800 meters, made a dazzling statement on and off the track Saturday as she advanced comfortably to the semifinal round at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene.

Wearing shimmering, bedazzled blue spikes that sparkled under the Hayward Field lights, Mu clocked an effortless 1:59.71 in her preliminary heat, finishing first and reminding fans and rivals alike why she remains the woman to beat in the two-lap race.

“I feel good. I just wanted to shake out the legs, stay relaxed, and get through clean,” Mu told reporters post-race. “The spikes were a little extra, but I like to have fun when I’m out there.”

The 22-year-old American looked poised and confident, gliding through the first lap in a controlled 59 seconds before accelerating just enough in the final 200 meters to hold off the field. She didn’t need to go full throttle — and she didn’t have to. Her smooth, economical stride has become a signature of her dominance since breaking onto the global stage in 2021.

But it wasn’t just Mu’s running that turned heads. Her custom Nike spikes — a vibrant sky-blue hue covered in rhinestones — drew attention from fans and commentators alike. The eye-catching footwear, reportedly designed with input from Mu herself, added flair to her already electric presence.

“She’s got that mix of performance and personality that people gravitate toward,” said NBC analyst and former Olympic medalist Sanya Richards-Ross. “When she steps on the track, she owns it.”

Mu’s appearance in Eugene comes after a somewhat quiet season, where she opted out of early Diamond League races to focus on training. There had been speculation about her form coming into the championship, but Saturday’s performance seemed to put those concerns to rest.

“She’s in championship mode,” said her coach Bobby Kersee. “It’s all about advancing, staying healthy, and peaking at the right moment.”

The 800-meter semifinals are scheduled for Monday, where Mu will face stiffer competition, including world No. 2 Mary Moraa of Kenya and Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson — both of whom have also comfortably advanced.

Fans are anticipating a possible rematch of the thrilling 2022 World Championships final, where Mu narrowly edged Hodgkinson in a dramatic finish. If both continue on their current paths, that showdown could happen again in the final later this week.

For now, Mu remains focused and unfazed.

“I’m just taking it one race at a time,” she said, smiling. “And having a little fun with the fashion along the way.”

With her signature composure, electrifying speed, and a touch of sparkle, Athing Mu has once again made it clear: she’s not just here to compete — she’s here to shine.