Kenya’s Mary Moraa showcased her exceptional talent and resilience, clinching a bronze medal with a time of 1:57.42. Moraa, a world champion, faced intense competition from her rivals, with Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson taking the gold and Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma securing the silver.
Hodgkinson edged out the competition with a remarkable time of 1:56.72, while Duguma followed closely, clocking in at 1:57.15. The result continues Kenya’s quest for a gold medal in this event, a title they have not held since Pamela Jelimo’s victory in the 2008 Beijing Olympics. Moraa’s bronze is Kenya’s third in this event and the first since the 2016 Rio Olympics.
Reflecting on her performance, Moraa expressed her satisfaction with securing a podium finish despite the challenges she faced. “The competition was tough,” she remarked. “After doing the semis yesterday, I felt a muscle pull in my leg and had to see the physiotherapist. I tried my best, and my target was to finish on the podium. In a competition, you should expect anything, and I am glad that I finished third since everyone in a competition trains for the podium.”
The race was a thrilling display of athleticism and strategy. Hodgkinson made a decisive move with 200 meters to go, accelerating and creating a gap. Moraa, showing her determination, responded and tried to move onto the Briton’s shoulder. However, Hodgkinson managed to maintain her lead on the final bend and saved an extra burst of energy for the final stretch.
With victory within reach, Hodgkinson kicked one last time, pulling away from a fading Moraa, who was overtaken by Duguma in the closing stages. Hodgkinson’s triumph makes her only the 10th British woman to win an athletics gold medal at the Olympics.
“I think stepping on the podium is when it will sink in and you will see some real emotion from me,” Hodgkinson said after the race. “I have worked really hard for the last year, and I think you can see how much it meant to me when I crossed the line. I can’t believe I have finally done it!”
Moraa’s performance is a testament to her resilience and determination. Despite the muscle pull and the tough competition, she managed to secure a place on the podium, adding another accolade to her already impressive career. Her bronze medal is a significant achievement, highlighting her status as one of the top athletes in the world.
The result also highlights the ongoing rivalry and high level of competition in women’s middle-distance running. With athletes like Hodgkinson and Duguma pushing the boundaries, the event continues to be one of the most exciting and unpredictable races in athletics.
For Kenya, Moraa’s bronze is a moment of pride and a reminder of the country’s rich history in middle-distance running. It may not be the gold they were hoping for, but it is a significant achievement that continues the legacy of Kenyan excellence in athletics.
As the Paris Olympics continue, the focus will remain on these remarkable athletes who push their limits and inspire millions around the world. Mary Moraa’s bronze medal in the Women’s 800m final is a shining example of what dedication, resilience, and hard work can achieve on the world’s biggest stage.
