by Larry Eder
One of the tastiest races in all of Eugene during the World Champs was the women’s 800 meters.
Why?
You had Athing Mu, Olympic champion, NCAA champion, USATF Champion, American record holder at 800 meters, versus Keely Hodgkinson, Team GBR, European Indoor Champ, Olympic silver medalist, battling Athing over 800 meters.
At the U.S. Champs, Ajee’ Wilson had battled Athing down the final straight, and Athing held her off.
In the Women’s 800m final, the pace was fast, hitting 400 meters in 57.11, and Athing Mu began to use those long strides about 500 meters and was in full flight at 600 meters. Keely Hodgkinson moved into third, then second around the turn, and moved on the inside, attempting to pull a “Peter Snell or Steve Ovett move”, where one moves on the inside lane and gets by the opponent.
World Athletics Championships
Eugene, Oregon, USA
July15-26, 2022, photo by Kevin Morris
Athing Mu is one smooth customer. Her spidey senses come on when someone moves up and challenges her. I believe, sorry, Athing, that she lives for the challenge!
Keely Hodgkinson did not let up, she pushed Athing to the finish, and Athing Mu took gold in 1:56.30. Keely Hodgkinson, knowing that she pushed Athing even closer to the finish, was timed in 1:56.38 for the silver.
In third, Kenya’s rising star, Mary Moraa, who had to lead the race at 400 meters, took bronze in 1:56.71.
What follows is my call on the women’s 800 meters and the amazing film by NBC sports on the women’s 800 meters!
Enjoy the race; now on to Budapest 2023!
