Athletics-American trio face stiff Hodgkinson challenge in 800m final

Athletics - World Athletics Championships - Women's 800 Metres - Semi Final - Hayward Field, Eugene, Oregon, U.S. - July 22, 2022 Athing Mu of the U.S. crosses the line to win the semi final ahead of second placed Ethiopia's Diribe Welteji REUTERS/Pawel Kopczynski

EUGENE, Ore. (Reuters) - The trio of athletes hoping to restore some American female pride on the home track at the World Championships all advanced to the 800 metres final on Friday, with Olympic champion Athing Mu looking the one to beat.

While the U.S. men have been tearing up the Hayward Field track in the sprints, their women will not manage a single medal in 100, 200 or 400m for the first time since the Championships began in 1983.