Mary Moraa, the reigning World Champion in the women’s 800m, is among the leading favorites to secure the Gold Medal at this year’s Paris Olympics in France.
Having progressed from the youth championships in Kenya, Moraa will compete in her second Olympic Games after being eliminated in the semi-finals at the Tokyo Olympics.
Since then, she has cemented her status by winning a Bronze medal at the 2022 World Athletics Championship in Oregon and achieving triumph at last year’s games in Budapest.
She has also clinched a Gold medal at the Commonwealth Games.
Moraa has been ramping up her training with fellow athletes at Nyayo Stadium and feels confident in her readiness to excel at the Olympic Games.
“I can say I am ready to go to Paris. I am ready for the competition. I have been training for the last three years, reminding myself that the Olympic Games are coming up in 2024, and now we are almost there. My main goal is to win the Gold Medal,” she stated.
Kenya has not claimed a Gold Medal in the women’s event since Pamela Jelimo’s triumph at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, putting the spotlight on young Moraa as the nation aims to end their long wait.
Moraa has run alongside accomplished athletes such as former world champion Eunice Sum and credits them for the valuable lessons she has learned.
“When I competed in my first Olympic Games in Tokyo, I met athletes like Eunice Sum and learned a lot from them. Now, in camp, we are like sisters, supporting each other and discussing our strategies together. Our aim is to reach the finals and bring home medals,” she added.
Moraa, admired by athletics fans worldwide for her energetic dance celebrations after victories, understands that the Paris Games will be tough for all athletes. Nevertheless, she is confident in their preparations.
“In a competition, anything can happen, and you must be ready for anything. It all comes down to the training you have done and your level of preparation. I can assure our Kenyan fans that we will give our best and bring home medals,” Moraa said.
Moraa, who will also compete in the women’s 400m, will be joined by Lillian Odira in the 800m.