Mary Moraa: Kenya’s star at the just ended World Athletics Championships.

A blistering finish saw 23 year old Mary Moraa from Kenya, winning the gold medal in the women’s 800m on Sunday 27 August, the last day of the World Athletics Championships.

The Kenyan left an indelible mark on the world stage with her performance which added her to two other great Kenyan athletes to achieve this milestone. She becomes the third woman in the history of athletics in Kenya to achieve this goal;, Janeth Jepkosgei won it in the 2007 World Championships and Eunice Sum won it in the 2013 Championships in Moscow, Russia.

It wasn’t a walk in the park for her due to her competitors who had their eye on the gold medal as well. USA’s Athing Mu and Great Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson tried everything possible but couldn’t stop her from her goal in her personal best time of 1:56.03 with sheer class which saw applause from the crowd.

Moraa who was much elated, took to her Facebook page to share her thoughts on her achievement:,

“I am simply lost for words. God has been merciful. Achieving three precious titles at the Commonwealth Games, Diamond League, and World Athletics Championships within a year is a blessing that I don’t take for granted.

“It has been a good journey so far. I wouldn’t have succeeded were it not for the midas touch of my coach Alex Sang aka Kipkosang Alhiandro. His patience and wisdom are unmatched.

“My family led by my elder sister Sarah Nyaboke, my hubby Arap Chemereng Gege, and my mentors Hellen Obiri and Beatrice Chepkoech Ogw have been my great support machine. 

“These victories are also for you my former teachers Zablon Oginda and Haron Onchong’a for harnessing my talent.

“I also want to thank my management Golazo Kenya, Nike, Athletics Kenya, and my adoring fans for their support and prayers. Mbuya mono.” She stated.

Left orphaned at two years old, she had to overcome obstacles in life and now she’s a world champion with a story to tell.