ROME – Texas A&M track & field Olympians Fred Kerley and Athing Mu claimed victories at the Golden Gala Pietro Mennea at Stadio Olimpico.
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Mu, a two-time Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, won the 800m with a world-leading time of 1:57.01. It makes the second world-leading time for Mu as she won the Penn Relays 600m at 1:22.74 in late April. The 20-year-old moved to a perfect 9-0 in the 800m since turning professional with Nike, which includes wins at the U.S. Olympic Trials, Tokyo Olympics and two Diamond League appearances.Â
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"I am super excited about this result," Mu said. "I just wanted to come out here and see where I was at. I know what my level was a couple of weeks ago, so I took this race as a rest one. The atmosphere here in the stadium is insane - it is very loud. Watching Gianmarco Tamberi come out, the crowd was very loud, and I could hear it as I was warming up. This summer, it is going to be amazing with the World Championships back home - first time in the US - so, I am really excited about it."
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Kerley, the Tokyo Olympic 100m silver medalist, won the 100m equaling his season-best time at 9.92 (-0.2w), .22 seconds-faster than the second place finisher. Representing Nike, Kerley has won five-of-eight races entered this outdoor season including wins at the 100m, 200m and 400m distances. The 27-year-old currently ranks No. 2 in the world in the 200m at 19.80 (1.6w) and No. 5 in the 100m at 9.92 (-0.2w). In his only 400m race, Kerley clocked 44.47, which is No. 9 on the world list this season.
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"I ran a season best, I can't complain," Kerley stated. "This was a good race. I did not have to push a lot against my competitors. I did not have to give 100%. I enjoyed the race and the crowd. I will go home for the national trials, and I expect a new personal best there."
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About Wanda Diamond League
The Wanda Diamond League encompasses 32 Diamond Disciplines, following a championship style model. Athletes earn points at the 13 series meetings to qualify for the final of their discipline. Points are awarded as 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 for finishes first to eighth, respectively. The top six in the field events, top eight for 100m-800m and the top 10 for 1500m and long distances qualify for the final. Rome is the fifth meeting in the Diamond League circuit.Â
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For the most up-to-date information on Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country, follow the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@aggietfxc).Â
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Mu, a two-time Tokyo Olympic gold medalist, won the 800m with a world-leading time of 1:57.01. It makes the second world-leading time for Mu as she won the Penn Relays 600m at 1:22.74 in late April. The 20-year-old moved to a perfect 9-0 in the 800m since turning professional with Nike, which includes wins at the U.S. Olympic Trials, Tokyo Olympics and two Diamond League appearances.Â
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"I am super excited about this result," Mu said. "I just wanted to come out here and see where I was at. I know what my level was a couple of weeks ago, so I took this race as a rest one. The atmosphere here in the stadium is insane - it is very loud. Watching Gianmarco Tamberi come out, the crowd was very loud, and I could hear it as I was warming up. This summer, it is going to be amazing with the World Championships back home - first time in the US - so, I am really excited about it."
She's back on your timeline ??
— Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country (@aggietfxc) June 9, 2022
World-leading time of 1:57.01.@athiiing | #AggiePro
pic.twitter.com/cgfMiq8Scc
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Kerley, the Tokyo Olympic 100m silver medalist, won the 100m equaling his season-best time at 9.92 (-0.2w), .22 seconds-faster than the second place finisher. Representing Nike, Kerley has won five-of-eight races entered this outdoor season including wins at the 100m, 200m and 400m distances. The 27-year-old currently ranks No. 2 in the world in the 200m at 19.80 (1.6w) and No. 5 in the 100m at 9.92 (-0.2w). In his only 400m race, Kerley clocked 44.47, which is No. 9 on the world list this season.
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"I ran a season best, I can't complain," Kerley stated. "This was a good race. I did not have to push a lot against my competitors. I did not have to give 100%. I enjoyed the race and the crowd. I will go home for the national trials, and I expect a new personal best there."
Destroyed the field ?????
— Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country (@aggietfxc) June 9, 2022
? 9.92@fkerley99 | #AggiePro
pic.twitter.com/vNYUrqPs7t
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About Wanda Diamond League
The Wanda Diamond League encompasses 32 Diamond Disciplines, following a championship style model. Athletes earn points at the 13 series meetings to qualify for the final of their discipline. Points are awarded as 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 for finishes first to eighth, respectively. The top six in the field events, top eight for 100m-800m and the top 10 for 1500m and long distances qualify for the final. Rome is the fifth meeting in the Diamond League circuit.Â
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For the most up-to-date information on Texas A&M Track & Field/Cross Country, follow the team on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (@aggietfxc).Â