Trenton’s Mu setting world records as Texas A&M phenom
Already being described as the “next big thing’’ in her sport and the No. 1 middledistance sprinter in the country at the age of 18, Trenton’s track and field phenom Athing Mu is a genuinely humble and well-grounded young woman.
With that in mind, it should come as no surprise Mu is very self-aware of where she comes around and proud of the fact she is continuing Trenton’s tradition of producing outstanding runners.
“The main that is driving me is Trenton, New Jersey,’’ said Mu, who is a freshman at Texas A&M, and is setting college and world records with a stunning regularity. “You really don’t see a lot coming out of the city, but I want to be that person who does it and show it’s possible.’’
The most famous and accomplished Trenton runner prior to Mu exploding on the scene was United States Olympic team member Wendy Vereen. Without going into too much detail, suffice it to say Vereen was the top-ranked national high school sprinter in 1983 and 1984.
During her distinguished career the former Trenton High standout won three relay medals as a member of the United States 4-by-400 relay team. One of those medals for Vereen was gold at the 1993 IAAF World Indoor Championships.
It’s been nearly 40 years since Vereen ran for Trenton
High, but her legacy endures.
“I definitely know who Wendy Vereen is; I talk to her a lot,’’ said Mu, who recently has broken three collegiate record in her freshman season with the Aggies. “I met Wendy though my (Trenton Track Club) coach (Al Jennings). I talk to Wendy about races and events. She checks in with me to make sure I’m OK and say congratulations.’’
For those who might not be aware of Mu’s incredible rise to be among the world’s elite at such a young age, there’s a lot to congratulate her about.
Competing for the Trenton Track Club (she did not run for Trenton High), Mu became a sensation by setting the American women’s record in the 600 meters at the 2019 USA Indoor Championships.
Yes, you read that right. Mu set the women’s national record when she was just a junior in high school.
Also that year, Mu ran a 2:01.00 in the 800 and a 51:00 in the 400, which are just mind-numbing times for a 16-year-old.
Two years later as a freshman with Texas A&M, Mu recently obliterated the 40-year-old collegiate record in the 600 meters by scorching the track in a time of 1:25.80. At last check, this is the fastest time in the world this year. In addition, Mu was also on the Texas A&M 4-by-400 relay team that set a collegiate record with a time of 3:26.27.
Her latest assault on the record books occurred over the weekend when Mu won the Southeast Conference 800 meters indoor title in an under-20 world record time of 1:58.40. In this race she became the first collegiate runner to break the 1:59.00 barrier either indoors or outdoors. Her times in the 400, 600 and 800 are all among the top three in the world
Athing Mu recently broke a 40-year-old collegiate record when she ran a 1:25.80 in the 600 meters.
this year.
It all began when Mu was just five years old. In her early years with the Trenton Track Club she was nurtured by coach Bernice Mitchell, who has remained very close to her protégé. When she turned 11, Jennings began coaching Mu as well.
The rest, as they say, is history.
“I remember her first national race,’’ recalled Jennings. “She was 11 years old and we took her to Florida. When we put her on the track she just took off. It was amazing.’’
Mu is quick to point out how helpful Jennings and Mitchell have been to her career, both on and off the track.
“Coach Jennings has taught me a lot about track and field,’’ she said. “And Al and Bernice have taught me how to grow up. They have taught me how to be a young woman and stuff like that.’’
Having previously coached Vereen and Trenton High boys stars such as Ron Singletary and Van Butler, Jennings knows talent. And
does Mu ever have it.
“She can do it all,’’ he said. “She’s world class in the 400, 600 and 800. And she can run the mile, too. She’s got the speed and stamina for all those races.’’
When asked about the upcoming Olympic trials in June and the Olympics in Tokyo later this summer, Mu said she will concentrate on the 800. Don’t be surprised, however, if she also ends up as a selection for the United States 4-by-400 team.
“It’s always going be the 800; the 400 is something I more do for fun,’’ said Mu. “In a couple of years, I might do the 400 too, but this year it’s the 800.’’
And what does she think of the possibility of going to the Olympics as a 19-year-old (her birthday is in June)?
“I guess I have thought about it, but it’s not something I’m like super crazy thinking about,’’ said Mu. “It would be awesome to be with all those great athletes and represent the United States again on the top-tier stage.’’
For his part, coach Jennings has no doubt what he
thinks Mu can do on the biggest stage of all.
“I think Athing can not only win the Olympics this year, but in four years as well,’’ said Jennings. “It’s not just because she’s so talented. She’s also a very, very hard worker. She’s special in every way.’’
Prior to the Olympic trials, Mu will focus on finishing up her first year at Texas A&M where she is majoring in kinesiology (the study of human and non-human body movement).
“Being a college student on athletic scholarship is not easy,’’ said Mu. “You need to stay focused and make the most out of each hour of every day.’’
Obviously, she can handle it.
“She might be the greatest freshman athlete in any sport at Texas A&M and maybe the greatest collegiate freshman athlete in the sport of track and field,’’ said Texas A&M track coach Pat Henry. “I’ve never seen a freshman accomplish the things she has achieved. And we’re not even done with the season.’’