Kenyan · Nairobi, Kenya · Born 15 June 2000Kenyan middle-distance runner and 2023 world 800m champion, known for her explosive close-quarters finishing kick.
Mary Moraa was born on 15 June 2000 in Obwari, Nyanza Province, Kenya (now Kisii County), and has spoken publicly about being orphaned as a toddler and facing considerable hardship growing up, describing her difficult upbringing as central to the resilience she carries into competition. Moraa transitioned to the 800m in 2020, and represented Kenya at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics, before winning bronze at the 2022 World Championships behind Athing Mu and Keely Hodgkinson. Moraa, nicknamed "the Dancing Queen" for her celebratory moves after crossing the finish line, delivered the finest performance of her career at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, winning gold with a devastating finishing kick that made her a national hero in Kenya. Moraa has continued to compete at the top level of the 800m despite battling inconsistent form at times, relying on the support of fellow Kenyan athletes and her coach, Alex Sang, and remains one of the most respected middle-distance runners on the international circuit, her cousin Sarah Moraa having followed her into the sport.
Middle Distance (800m)
How They Played
Powerful finishing kick and tactical racing
Lasting Impact
Rising Kenyan middle-distance star with World Championship success
Career Honours
- World champ 800m 2023
- 2024 Olympic bronze 800m
- Commonwealth gold 800m 2022
Kenyan Athletes