Mary Moraa, known as the “Dancing Queen” of athletics, is setting her sights on Olympic glory as she joins Kenya’s strong contingent at the Paris Games.
The 24-year-old 800 meters World Champion is part of a new generation of Kenyan short-distance runners making waves in international athletics.
Moraa, whose rhythmic victory celebrations have earned her the nickname, developed her passion for running during her primary school years. It was in high school, under the guidance of mentors like two-time silver medalist Hellen Obiri, that she began to pursue athletics seriously.
“I started running when I was in Primary School, but I didn’t compete in major events until I reached High School,” Moraa said. “It was there that I received support and guidance from people who believed in me.”
Obiri, Moraa credits, provided her first pair of professional running shoes, a gesture that strengthened her resolve to succeed in the sport. She also draws inspiration from her late parents and grandparents, who cared for her and her siblings after her parents passed away when she was just two years old.
Moraa’s breakthrough came last August when she clinched gold at the World Championships, a victory she describes as unexpected but immensely gratifying for herself and her country.
“At the World Championships, I didn’t expect to win gold, so it was a big achievement for me and for Kenya,” Moraa recalled.
While her performance in the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics ended in the semi-finals, Moraa secured her place in the Paris Olympics after finishing second in the national trials. She is one of 83 Kenyan athletes competing across various disciplines including Athletics, Fencing, Judo, Men’s Rugby Sevens, Women’s Volleyball, and Swimming.
Looking ahead to Paris, Moraa is determined to secure a medal, though she remains uncertain about its color. “This year, I am focused on winning a medal, but I’m not sure which one,” she said.
Moraa’s ambition extends beyond personal achievement; she aims to inspire and empower young girls in her community through her success in athletics.
Kenya, with its impressive Olympic medal history, holds the record for the highest all-time medal count on the continent, a legacy Moraa hopes to contribute to at the Paris Olympics.
