Athletics-Mu ends long American wait for women's 800m gold

Athing Mu of the United States reacts after crossing the line first to win gold, next to Raevyn Rogers of the United States who won bronze REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson.

TOKYO, Aug 3 (Reuters) - Athing Mu of the United States won the gold medal in the Olympic women's 800 metres final on Tuesday, her country's first victory in the event in more than half a century, as her compatriot Raevyn Rogers grabbed bronze.

from Sudan two decades ago, said it was "awesome" that she won gold at such a young age.

"I wasn't really putting gold on that, but as it got closer to the final today, I was like, 'Yeah, we want gold'," the 19-year old said.

"There's not just one 19-year old in the race, there is two...which is unbelievable.

Just being able to take something back home, I'm really proud," she said.

I just want to make them proud," she said