Mary Moraa, the reigning World Champion in the women’s 800m, is a top contender for the Gold Medal at this year’s Paris Olympics. Having emerged from Kenya’s youth championships, Moraa is gearing up for her second Olympic appearance after being eliminated in the semi-finals at the Tokyo Games.
Since then, she has solidified her reputation by winning Bronze at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon and achieving further success at last year’s championships in Budapest. Additionally, Moraa clinched a Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.
Training intensively at Nyayo Stadium alongside her compatriots, Moraa feels prepared to take on the Olympic challenge. “I can confidently say I am ready for Paris. I have been training for the last three years with the Olympic Games in mind, and now that we are almost there, my main goal is to win the Gold Medal,” she stated.
Kenya has not secured a Gold Medal in the women’s 800m since Pamela Jelimo’s victory at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, placing significant expectations on the young Moraa to help end this long wait.
Moraa has benefited from training alongside experienced athletes, including former world champion Eunice Sum. “Participating in the Tokyo Olympics introduced me to athletes like Eunice Sum, from whom I learned a lot. Now, during our training camps, we support each other as if we are sisters, strategizing to reach the finals and bring home medals,” she shared.
Known for her electrifying dance moves after victories, Moraa recognizes that the Paris Games will be highly competitive. “In any competition, anything can happen, so you must be ready for anything. Ultimately, it all depends on the training you’ve done and your preparedness. I promise our Kenyan fans that we will give our best and strive to bring home medals,” Moraa added.
In addition to the 800m, Moraa will also compete in the women’s 400m, joined by fellow athlete Lillian Odira.