Mary Moraa has wrapped up a difficult 2025 season with a message of resilience and hope, vowing to return stronger after finishing seventh in the women’s 800m final at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Despite the setback, she was full of praise for compatriot Lilian Odira, who stormed to victory in record-breaking fashion.
The Olympic bronze medallist endured one of her toughest years on the track, closing her campaign with a season’s best of 1:57.10 in the Tokyo final. Her hopes of defending her world title slipped away as Odira seized the spotlight, producing a breathtaking performance to win in 1:54.62, a new championship record. Georgia Hunter Bell and Keely Hodgkinson followed closely in second and third with times of 1:54.90 and 1:54.91 respectively.
Odira’s triumph was historic, as she shattered the 42-year-old championship record of 1:54.68 set by Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983. The victory elevated her to seventh on the all-time 800m list and the second-fastest Kenyan in history behind Pamela Jelimo. Moraa, though disappointed with her own race, expressed immense pride that the world title remained in Kenyan hands. She also applauded Sarah Moraa, who finished fourth with a massive personal best of 1:55.74.
Reflecting on her season, Moraa admitted it had been a rollercoaster journey. Her campaign began with mixed results in the Grand Slam Track circuit, including an eighth-place finish in Kingston, a victory in Miami, and inconsistent outings in Philadelphia, Stockholm, and Eugene. She later tested herself in the 1000m in Monaco, finishing a distant 12th before heading into the global championships. Despite a strong semifinal, she faltered in the closing stages of the final, unable to hold onto her early lead.
The 2023 world champion now looks ahead with determination. Acknowledging the challenges of her season, Moraa insisted that setbacks are part of an athlete’s journey and promised to come back stronger. “It’s back to the drawing board. God has been faithful. I will return stronger,” she said.
For Moraa, the goal is clear: regroup, rebuild, and reclaim her position at the top of the 800m. As Odira celebrates her breakthrough, Kenya’s depth in middle-distance running has once again been reinforced, promising even more electrifying battles on the track in the seasons ahead.
