On July 31, when Athing Mu cruised to first place in the women’s 800m Heat 1 at the USATF Nationals, the track world lit up. Fans finally felt like they were getting a glimpse of the Athing they’ve been waiting to see—the one who’s been a bit out of the spotlight the past two years. The last time she really made waves was at the World Championships in Budapest, where she took home bronze in the 800m. Since then? Not so much. She also had that heartbreaking fall last year that cost her a shot at the Paris Olympics, finishing way back in ninth. So yeah, hopes were sky-high this time around. Everyone wanted to see her bounce back and punch her ticket to the Tokyo World Championships, but it seems things don’t always go as planned.
On August 1, Athing Mu finished fourth in the women’s 800m semifinal at the USATF Nationals—just missing a spot in the final by 1.37 seconds. It was a tough blow, maybe her biggest setback this season… but definitely not the first. She kicked off her year trying out the 5,000m, which, let’s be honest, isn’t really her thing. She ended up dropping out after about 3K. Then came a low-key 1500m race at the “Very, Very Last Chance” meet in May—she won it pretty easily, but it wasn’t exactly a stacked field. When she finally ran her first 800m of the season at the Prefontaine Classic, she finished 10th. So yes, after seeing all that, track fans couldn’t keep quiet anymore. The frustration was real.
After the race, 23-year-old Athing Mu tried to keep things in perspective. “I think it’s all right,” she said. “I mean, I came to this meet pretty content, with obviously I’m hoping to make a team, but I’m also just happy to be here and be able to compete.” But for fans, those words hit different—especially coming from someone with two Olympic golds and two world championship medals in the 800m. It didn’t sound like the fire they were used to seeing from her. Additionally, Mu added, “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 still was competitive.” That’s when the finger-pointing started. A lot of fans weren’t buying the “just happy to be here” vibe and quickly started blaming her coach, Bobby Kersee. They felt like something’s been off for a while—and maybe, just maybe, it’s not all on Mu.
Credit: Instagram/ Athing Mu
One YouTube commenter didn’t hold back, writing, “Part ways from Bobby!” So why is Bobby Kersee catching heat? Well, the criticism started brewing ever since Athing Mu joined his training group. Back in 2023, she ran in five 800m races, but things took a turn in 2024. Fans were hyped for her comeback—but that excitement quickly faded as she pushed back her season debut not once, but three times. She even pulled out of the 2024 Prefontaine Classic, a major meet leading up to the Olympic Trials. That cautious, stop-and-start approach didn’t sit well with track fans, who were left frustrated and unimpressed.
That same pattern has played out again this season. But veteran coach Bobby Kersee had his own explanation when speaking to LetsRun.com. He likened his strategy to a baseball manager sending a pitcher down to the minor leagues to prepare for a long season. The idea, he said, was to help Athing Mu get comfortable racing in a pack again and rediscover the fun of competing before jumping back into high-stakes meets. “If I was a baseball coach…I wouldn’t be criticized. So it’s basically the same thing,” Bobby argued. Well, fans aren’t buying it. No matter how he spins it, they’re not interested in the analogies—they just want change. And their message is loud and clear.
Fans want a serious change in Athing Mu’s support staff
“Kersee messed this girl up,” one fan bluntly posted in the YouTube comment section. It’s a sentiment that’s been gaining traction. After all, Athing Mu joined Bobby Kersee’s camp in 2022—but her biggest triumphs? They came before that move. So, for many, the math is simple. Another commenter summed it up in just four words: “Time for new coach!” But it wasn’t all about Bobby. Some fans saw the bigger picture—both on and off the track. One user wrote, “It’s over. She’s accomplished a lot in a short period so she can walk away gracefully. Mentally however she’s not there. Time to Mu on!”
And it’s true—Mu’s life has shifted a lot recently. In March, she tied the knot with longtime partner Brandon Nikolayev, and she’s been popping up in more brand campaigns too. To some fans, those things looked like distractions. But others just saw a young woman living her life. Still, no one can forget what she’s already done. In Tokyo, Mu stunned the world—winning Olympic gold in the 800m with an American record of 1:55.21. At just 19, she became the youngest U.S. woman to win an individual Olympic track and field gold since Wyomia Tyus in 1964. A year later, she backed it up by becoming the world champion—making her the youngest woman in history to hold both Olympic and world titles in a solo track event.
Jun 24, 2021; Eugene, OR, USA; Athing Mu and Nikki Hiltz lead a women’s 800m heat during the US Olympic Team Trials at Hayward Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Yet even with all that history, fans are clearly torn. One comment took a totally different stance: “Bobby shouldn’t waste his time on her. She doesn’t have the desire anymore. And that’s ok. She has an Olympic gold medal.” Maybe it’s burnout. Maybe it’s a transition. Or maybe it’s just life happening. But what’s clear is this—Athing Mu’s recent struggles have hit fans hard. Not because they doubt her greatness, but because they remember it. And they want it back.
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