Mary Moraa is meticulously preparing to defend her 800m world title at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. As the reigning champion, Moraa faces a challenging lineup that includes 2022 world champion Athing Mu, Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson, and Olympic silver medallist Tsige Duguma.
Moraa made history at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, becoming the third Kenyan woman to claim the world title in the 800m. She follows in the footsteps of Janeth Jepkosgei, who first won the title in 2007, and Eunice Sum, who triumphed in 2013.
Her preparations for the upcoming championships have been intense and focused. Moraa has embraced a patient approach, reflecting her belief that success requires time and effort. She has shared her determination with her fans, frequently posting updates of her training sessions and motivational messages. One of her posts emphasized the importance of perseverance, declaring, “You can’t rush greatness.”
The past year was a mix of highs and lows for Moraa. She began her 2024 season competing in local races before heading to the African Games in Accra, Ghana, where she claimed the 400m title. Her winning streak continued at the Kip Keino Classic, and she later excelled at the Diamond League Meeting in Doha. However, she faced stiff competition at the USATF Los Angeles Grand Prix, finishing second, and was bested by Keely Hodgkinson at the Prefontaine Classic.
Moraa’s journey to the Paris Olympics was equally eventful. She secured second place at the Kenyan Olympic trials and went on to claim a bronze medal at the Games. Following the Olympics, she returned to dominate the track, winning the 800m at the Diamond League Meeting in Lausanne. Her versatility shone as she finished third in the 1000m in Silesia and set a new world-best time in the 600m at the ISTAF 2024.
The latter part of the season saw Moraa maintain her form, clinching victories in Zurich and Brussels. She concluded her year with a second-place finish at the Athlos NYC, a performance that fuels her ambition for the upcoming season.
Moraa’s dedication to her craft is evident in her rigorous training regimen under Coach Alex Sang. Despite setbacks in 2024, she remains optimistic and determined to refine her performance. Her focus on consistency and preparation underscores her commitment to maintaining her status as one of the world’s top middle-distance runners.
As she gears up for the 2025 World Championships, Moraa’s journey serves as an inspiration. Her blend of resilience, hard work, and strategic planning positions her as a formidable contender in Tokyo. Fans and competitors alike will be watching closely as she takes on the challenge of defending her title against a field of elite athletes.
