Mary Moraa, the Dancing Queen, eyes a medal at the Paris Olympics

800 meters World Champion Mary Moraa is part of a rising generation of Kenyan short-distance runners making a significant impact on the athletics scene.

Nicknamed the “Dancing Queen” of athletics for her intricate rhythmic moves every time she crosses the finish line first, the 24-year-old discovered her love for the sport at an early age.

“I started running when I was in Primary School, in grades 4, 5, and 6. But there was nobody to guide me on how to compete in major events. When I reached High School, I started running professionally because I was under the guidance of someone who understood sports.”

Moraa credits two-time silver medallist Hellen Obiri and her schoolteachers for believing in her and introducing her to the world of professional athletics. She recalls that Obiri bought her the first pair of professional running shoes, a gesture she is determined to honor.

Her motivation also stems from the memories of her late parents and grandparents, who provided for her and her three siblings.

“Our parents passed away when I was two years old, so we lived with our grandfather and grandmother, who also passed away. It was hard for me and my siblings, but we found someone who took us in, looked after us, provided for us, and mentored us.”

Moraa, one of the 83 Kenyan athletes competing in the Paris Olympics, is driven by the hope of creating a better life for young girls in her community. She describes her triumph at the World Championships last August as a pleasant surprise.

“Winning at the World Championship was unexpected for me. I had decided to appreciate any medal that came my way, but ending up with gold was a significant achievement for me and my country.”

During the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, Moraa was eliminated in the semi-finals. However, her second-place finish in the national trials secured her spot among the 83 athletes representing Kenya in Paris, competing in athletics, fencing, judo, men’s rugby sevens, women’s volleyball, and swimming.

Looking ahead to the Olympics, Moraa is focused on winning a medal: “This year, I am aiming for a medal, but I’m not sure which one.”

Kenya proudly holds the best all-time Olympic medal haul on the continent.