Reigning world 800m champion Mary Moraa is targeting to become the 1st Kenyan woman to retain her title over the distance in this year’s World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
Speaking to KBC Moraa said she has already started her training for this season under her coach, with her 1st international assignment set for Jamaica in April, where she will double in the 800m and 1500m.
“I know it’s difficult; even we were discussing that recently with my mentor Hellen Obiri. No Kenyan woman athlete has ever defended her title in 800m. Even globally, we have heard different winners since 2013. I’m working hard to retain my 2023 title.”said Moraa
The 24-year-old says winning the bronze medal in last year’s summer Olympic games was a big motivation towards her goals this year.
“Winning bronze last year at the Paris Olympics is a big motivation as I prepare this year. Currently, I am training in Ngong, Nyayo, and Kasarani. I am also aiming to get my season underway in April at the Grand Slam Track in Kingston, Jamaica, where I will double in 800m and 1500m.” Moraa revealed
Moraa won her 1st world gold medal in the two-laps race in Budapest 2023 with a personal best time of 1 minute 56.03 seconds, the first Kenyan title in the race since 2007.
The 20th World Athletics Championships will be held in Tokyo, Japan, from 13th to 21st September this year.
Moraa started her career in 2017, winning a silver medal at the World Under 18 Championship in Kenya in 400m.
She then switched to the 800m, where she won her first gold medal at the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, followed by a bronze medal at the Eugene World Championships the same year.
Moraa is the 3rd Kenyan world champion in the 800m after Janeth Jepkosgei in 2007 and Eunice Sum in 2013.
