Athing Mu: 19-year-old Sudanese prodigy shining for USA at the Tokyo Olympics

The second youngest of seven siblings, Athing Mu was born to parents who emigrated to the United States from South Sudan. She grew up in Trenton, New Jersey, and showed a gift for athletics from an early age. In this picture, she is seen celebrating with her gold medal after winning the Women's 800 metres finals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics [Reuters, Lindsey Wasson]

Athing MU broke the US indoor 600m record and world under-20 best record at the tender age of 16. In this photo, she is seen crossing the line to win Gold in the 800 metres Women's final at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics [Reuters, Phil Noble]

Mu said she came to the Olympics with a ‘medal mentality’, became the first U.S. woman since 1968 to win the 800-m gold medal at the Olympics. All along, she wore a barrette in her hair with the word ‘confident’. In this picture, she is seen next to British runner Keely Hodgkinson after winning gold in the Women's 800 metres final at the Tokyo Olympics [Reuters, Phil Noble]

Mu’s dad serves as a seafood processor in the Pacific Northwest. Her mom works in a warehouse. Her elder brother is also an athlete and runs track and field for Penn State University. In this photo, Mu wraps herself in the American flag as she celebrates winning Gold at the Tokyo Olympics Women’s 800 metres final. [Reuters, Hannah Mckay]

Athing Mu attended Trenton Central High school, however, did not run for her high school. Instead, she runs for Trenton Track Club in her hometown, where she first met her coach at the age of 5. In this photo, Mu celebrates with her fans after winning Gold in the Women’s 800 metres final at the Tokyo Olympics. [Reuters, Aleksandra Szmigiel]

Mu, 19-years of age is now shining at the Olympics for the United States. In this photo, she is seen crossing the finish line to win gold in the Women’s 800 meters final at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics [Reuters, Peter Jebautzke]