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TSG
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Will Athing Mu bounce back from a disappointing 2024 and continue her dominance, or will Keely Hodgkinson finally claim her place above her?
The women’s 800m race will certainly be thrilling, promising one of the most intense rivalries in recent years, the clash between Athing Mu and Keely Hodgkinson.
These two outstanding runners have always set the track on fire with their speed, strategy, and resilience. However, as the outdoor season is set to begin, one question is constant, who will come out on top in 2025?
In this article, Pulse Sports takes a deep dive into their careers, strengths, weaknesses, and what could decide their dominance in the coming season.
Athing Mu: The American 800m sensation
Athing Mu rise to stardom
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Athing Mu burst into the limelight as a teenage prodigy and quickly established herself as one of the best 800m runners in the world.
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Her biggest breakthrough was at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, where she clinched gold in the 800m with a stunning performance, making her the first American woman to win the event since 1968.
Athing Mu has a unique combination of raw speed and endurance which allows her to control races from the front. She is also an intelligent runner who knows when to accelerate and conserve energy.
Athing Mu injury & 2024 setback
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Athing Mu’s journey to the top has not been without struggle as she faced significant challenges in 2024 due to a hamstring injury and a subsequent fall during the US Olympic Trials. The fall prevented her from defending her title at the Paris Olympics.
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In 2024, Athing Mu announced that she had a persistent hamstring injury which sidelined her from several competitions, forcing her to open her season at the US Olympic trials.
During the 800m final, Athing Mu stumbled and fell on the backstretch of the first lap after tangling with other runners. Although she finished the race, she was over 22 seconds behind the winner, Nia Akins, and did not qualify for the Paris Olympics.
Keely Hodgkinson: The British 800m powerhouse
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Keely Hodgkinson meteoric rise
Keely Hodgkinson remains one of the greatest threats to Athing Mu’s dominance especially after her successful 2024 season.
Hodgkinson won a silver at the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, pushing Athing Mu to the limit and with the American’s absence from the event, she won the gold in Paris in 2024.
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But before then, Keely Hodgkinson had been winning silver medals, at the 2022 World Championships and Commonwealth Games.
She also won a bronze in 2023. However, with her dominance in 2024, Keely Hodgkinson has cemented her place as one of the best 800m runners of her generation. Keely Hodgkinson is known for her explosive final 200m, often closing gaps and overtaking competitors.
What awaits in 2025?
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Keely Hodgkinson has yet to defeat Athing Mu in a major championship final, something that could play a psychological role in their future races. Their rivalry has been one of the most exciting duels in track and field.
Their encounters have mostly been closely contested, with Athing Mu having the edge when it mattered. However, Keely Hodgkinson has closed the gap significantly and is determined to turn the tables in 2025.
Both Athing Mu and Keely Hodgkinson have had injury concerns in the past and staying healthy and injury-free will play a massive role in their performances in 2025.
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As things stand, it is impossible to predict with certainty who will reign supreme in 2025, but one thing is clear: the Athing Mu vs Keely Hodgkinson rivalry will be one of the most thrilling battles to watch.
One question that will be answered at the end of the season will be: Will Athing Mu bounce back from a disappointing 2024 and continue her dominance, or will Keely Hodgkinson finally claim her place above her? Only time will tell.
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