American Athing Mu makes history in women’s 800 meter final at World Athletics Championships

History was made in the women’s 800 meter final.

Unfortunately for Raevyn Rogers, it happened far in front of her.

The former Oregon star finished sixth in Sunday’s final as the World Athletics Championships completed its 10th and final day of competition at Hayward Field.

While Rogers was unable to unleash her signature kick down the homestretch, Athing Mu was up front and digging in as she held off Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson in a sprint through the finish line.

Mu crossed in 1:56.30 and Hodgkinson in 1:56.38, replicating their finish during last summer’s Tokyo Olympics.

With the victory, Mu became the first American to win world championship gold in the women’s 800.

“I didn’t know that until two days ago, but it’s awesome,” Mu said. “It’s an honor. I’m just glad I could keep holding the momentum that I’ve had since Tokyo last year.”

Mu said her performance was especially gratifying since she was not feeling her best physically Sunday.

“At the end of the race, I mean, golly, I was just happy it was over,” said Mu, who didn't divulge what was ailing her. “Today was kind of a rough day for me so I’m just glad I could make it to the line, finish the race and thank God I won gold.”

It was certainly dramatic, as Hodgkinson closed strong over the final 100 meters.

“I thought I could get her,” she said. “I went to the inside because the gap was there. I ran to the line and I am happy with world silver. I got so close, but it is what it is.”

The bronze medalist was May Moraa of Kenya, who finished in 1:56.71. Rogers finished in 1:58.26 and American Ajee Wilson was eighth in 2:00.19.

“I liked how I physically felt,” Rogers said. “I felt really good. All in all, I was calm, I put the training in, I knew I was ready for something fast. I don’t know, the adrenaline really got the best of me and I just wasn’t in the race.”

Rogers won Olympic bronze behind Mu and Hodgkinson last summer and also won silver at the 2019 world championships.

She had also become one of the unofficial spokeswomen for Oregon22 these past few months, with her success as a Duck and success as a pro making her a natural choice to help promote the meet. The fact that her likeness is on the Hayward Field tower didn’t hurt either.

But it also became an added burden for the always-accommodating Rogers.

“I feel like it was stressful, I mean, two weeks ago I was crying,” she said with a laugh. “But I found the light, I found the positivity in this whole thing.”

She even found some in Sunday’s race, despite leaving without a medal.

“It was still a great moment for America, super great moment for Athing, being the first American to win the world champs,” Rogers said. “I think this is just a great time to celebrate her.”

Follow Chris Hansen on Twitter @chansen_RG or email at chansen@registerguard.com.

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This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: Athing Mu makes history in Oregon22 women’s 800 meter final