Former Olympics 800m champion Athing Mu weds long term lover [PHOTOS]

She finally let the world in. Just over a day ago, former Olympic 800m champion Athing Mu shared the first photos of her wedding, four months after secretly saying “I do” to Russian middle-distance runner Yegor Nikolayev.

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The 23-year-old posted a series of elegant snapshots from her Saturday 8, March, wedding, taking fans by surprise with the revelation of her marriage. In her Instagram caption, Mu expressed her deep faith and joy.

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“Oh, what a blessing it is to be in a covenant with you and the Lord. I pray that through all of our days, we reflect the grace and mercy of Jesus! 03/08/25,” she captioned.

The announcement surprised many of her fans, not just because of the wedding itself, but also due to the unexpected pairing with 36-year-old Nikolayev.

Nikolayev is a Russian Olympian who represented his country in the 1,500m at the 2012 London Games and earned a silver medal over 3,000m at the 2011 European Team Championships.

While the exact timeline of their relationship remains private, insiders say their connection began several years ago within the tight-knit global athletics circuit.

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Their shared discipline and understanding of the mental and physical demands of elite competition are believed to have created a strong foundation for their relationship.

Reports from Track and Field Gazette, which first identified Nikolayev as Mu’s husband, suggest the two were first introduced at a European training camp through mutual friends.

Conversations about training and racing turned into a friendship that defied geographical and cultural boundaries, eventually blossoming into love.

By 2023, their bond had strengthened, with Nikolayev regularly travelling to the United States to support Mu at her races. Those close to them describe a relationship built on mutual admiration, spiritual alignment, and a shared appreciation for simplicity and nature.

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Nikolayev was also said to be a pillar of support for Mu after her heartbreaking fall during the 800m final last summer, a moment that halted her winning streak.

While fans saw the disappointment unfold on track, behind the scenes, he helped her regain confidence.

In February, Mu celebrated her bridal shower in the company of close friends, embracing the transition into married life with joy and gratitude.

Just weeks later, the couple exchanged vows in a private ceremony, choosing to quietly celebrate their union before Mu shifted her focus back to competition.

The American star is now gearing up for her comeback at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, her first appearance since last season.