Athing Mu, Tyra Gittens named Bowerman Trophy finalists

Bowerman Trophy Finalists. Plural.

On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced that both Athing Mu and Tyra Gittens are among the three female finalists for the prestigious 2021 Bowerman Trophy, awarded annually to the best collegiate Track & Field athlete. Texas' Tara Davis is the third female finalist, and the three male finalists will be announced on Wednesday.

The winners of the 2021 Bowerman Trophy will be presented on December 17.

Since the award's inception in 2009, Texas A&M has now boasted eight finalists for the Bowerman. Jessica Beard (2011) and Deon Lendore (2014) are the only Aggies to have actually won the trophy.

In addition to the United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association’s traditional selection process, a FAN VOTING ELEMENT will also help decide this year's winners. Fan voting beings on Wednesday, July 14, on TheBowerman.org and will continue through Tuesday, July 20.

Both Mu and Gittens won individual National Championships at last month's NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, with Mu capturing the open 400m title as well as running a 48.85 split on the 4x400m relay while Gittens secured the heptathlon crown.

As a freshman in 2021, Mu posted six collegiate records, individually holding the indoor 600m (1:25.80), indoor 800m (1:58.40), outdoor 400m (49.57) and indoor 800m (1:57.73) all-time marks while running anchor on the Aggies' record-setting indoor (3:26.27) and outdoor (3:22.34) 4x400m relay teams. 

Gittens enjoyed an extremely successful 2021 season as well, finishing as a three-time NCAA Champion by capturing the indoor high jump and pentathlon in addition to her heptathlon title. She holds the all-time pentathlon record (4,746 points) and posted the third-best heptathlon score this season (6,418). Gittens accumulated 23 of Texas A&M's 63 points at the Outdoor Championships, a meet record for points by an individual field athlete.

Mu finished the campaign with four first-team All-American honors while Gittens wrapped up 2021 as a six-time first-team All-American. Needless to say, both are deserving finalists, and each has a wonderful case to win the Bowerman.

At the Olympics this summer, Mu and Gittens will represent their countries. Mu will run the 800m for the United States, and Gittens will compete in the long jump for Trinidad & Tobago.

You know what to do, Ags. It's time to vore VOTE!!!