American runner Athing Mu falls during U.S. Olympic track and field trials, fails to qualify for an opportunity to repeat as an Olympic champion. Appeal denied after claiming she was impeded by other runners.
Key Points
Athing Mu, a member of the gold-medal team in the 4x400 at the Tokyo Games, fell during the two-lap race at the U.S. Olympic trials
An appeal claiming she was impeded by other runners was denied
The U.S. system does not have a safety net for situations like Mu's
Pros
Athing Mu's determination and competitive spirit were evident despite the fall
The story sheds light on the unforgiving nature of the U.S. Olympic selection process
Cons
Mu's fall led to her missing the opportunity to qualify for the Olympics