Just a sophomore, Trenton Track Club (NJ) athlete Athing Mu understands the historical significance of winning New Balance Nationals Indoor.
She won her first indoor national title in the 800m on Sunday, posting what looked like an easy 2:06.59 to out step second-place Nikki Merrell, who went a US No. 2 time of 2:07.27.
Afterward, when interviewed, Mu credited previous greats like Sammy Watson -- national record holder in 2:01.78 -- and other long-term greats, wondering one day if she could reach the pinnacle of their record attempts.
Maybe soon enough.
Mu often makes the 800m look easy, and it wasn't until the final 150 meters on Sunday that the Trenton athlete began to create separation from Merrill, who at one point earned the inside before Mu earned it back.
With a long spring ahead of her, Mu could certainly challenge to break that mark and head for even faster times in the 800m.
800m Finals 1 Mu, Athing 20 Trenton, NJ 2:06.59 3 2 Merrill, Nikki 19 Portsmouth, RI 2:07.27 3 3 Vanriele, Victoria 20 Berkeley Heights, N 2:08.31 3 4 Seeland, Esther 18 State College, PA 2:08.41 3 5 Friborg, Samantha 18 Acton, MA 2:08.76 3 6 Rose, Michaela 21 Suffolk, VA 2:09.73 1 7 Philippides, Emily 18 Greenwich, CT 2:09.82 3 8 Sessions, Jade 18 Carmel, NY 2:11.45 1
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