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Mary Moraa explains emotional reason behind sluggish start to the season
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Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 24.07.25. | 09:09
The early hiccups left fans concerned, but Moraa noted that it all boiled down to more than just fitness
World 800m champion Mary Moraa has revealed the emotional struggles that contributed to her uncharacteristically slow start to the 2025 season.
Moraa started the year with an eighth-place finish in the 800m at the Grand Slam Track Kingston before pulling out of the 1500m due to personal reasons.
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Despite the challenges, Moraa gradually clawed her way back.
She won the 800m at the Grand Slam Track Miami, but finished eighth in the 1500m.
In Philadelphia, she clocked fifth in the 800m, before taking second place in Stockholm's Diamond League meet.
However, she still struggled to find her top gear, finishing ninth at the prestigious Prefontaine Classic.
The early hiccups left fans concerned, but Moraa noted that it all boiled down to more than just fitness.
“I started my season on a low footing and my body was unwell, but so far, so good. I am recovering from what I have been going through, and I am okay,” Moraa told Mozzart Sport.
Moraa bounced back on Saturday, 19 July at the KBC Nacht Night of athletics event in Belgium, where she signaled her return to form with a dominant victory in the 400m, winning in an impressive time of 50.49.
“On Saturday, I ran 400m and won in Belgium, and it showed that my body is coming, my shape is coming. Let us wait for the World Championships. My target remains bringing a medal back home,” she revealed.
Beyond the track, Moraa credited a close circle of elite Kenyan athletes for helping her through her emotional battles.
“I have had lots of friends who held my hand during the tough season. They include; Hellen Obiri, Beatrice Chepkoech, and Milcah Chemos. They have been talking to me like my mom and my sisters, and I am now okay. My coach has also been very supportive and reassuring,” she opened up.
At the Athletics Kenya (AK) trials for the Tokyo World Championships, Moraa was also part of the team that shattered the national record in the women’s 4x400m relay with a stunning time of 3:27.50, eclipsing the previous best of 3:28.02.
She teamed up with; Mercy Chebet, Mercy Adongo, and Lanolin Aoko to break the record.
Moraa followed it up with another win in her 400m semifinal, clocking 50.92 seconds, yet another hint that the reigning world champion is back at her best.
With the Tokyo World Championships scheduled for Saturday, 13 to Sunday, 21 September, all eyes will be on Moraa to defend her title.
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