Sensational Moraa dances to world glory with 800m Gold

The flags of Kenya waved in the crowd, right in front of the award ceremony podium – at people’s park. The award ceremony was held outside the stadium – closer to the fans. Mary Moraa is among those on the podium, she waved at the crowd. As the national anthem played – Mary Moraa could not contain her tears. Tears of joy after all she is the world champion. She danced. 

“It is a big achievement to me and it is a big achievement to my family. I am happy with the race and I am happy with the win.”

The 800m women was billed as a tough one – defending champion Athing Mu, Keely Hodgkinson and Mary Moraa being the top contenders. 

“The race was good. I have been racing with Keely, I was like who is going to get the gold, who is going to get silver, who is going to get the bronze. Last year it was bronze, this year gold. I am happy for everything and my competitors.” said Moraa who revealed she was targeting 56 or 57 seconds per lap.

She stayed behind Athing Mu until 600m, pushing and 150m to go Moraa, took on Athing Mu, taking the lead and going on to win in her new personal best of 1:56.03. Keely Hodgkinson and Athing Mu came second and third respectively.

Right after Mary Moraa's gold , Kenyan duo of Beatrice Chepkoech and Faith Cherotich added more medals for Kenya winning silver and bronze in the women's 3000m steeplechase final.