Moraa drawing positives from Rabat medal miss

Gilbert Kiprotich in Rabat, Morocco

The national women’s 400m champion Mary Moraa says she believes exposure at the African Games will set her up for success at the upcoming World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar on September 28-October 6.

Fresh from winning the national title few a week ago in Kenya, Moraa narrowly missed the podium at the African Games on Wednesday as she placed fourth clocking 51.97.

While she might have missed out on a medal, Moraa said the race provided her with the much-needed experience as she prepares for her maiden global showpiece in the senior category.

“I tried my best and at first I feared facing off with athletes from Nigeria and Botswana and I think I have measured my strength with some of the best athlete,” said Moraa.

Moraa however had to run in pain as she is currently battling with a left knee injury she sustained prior to the nationals held last week at the national stadium where she clocked 52.65.

The athlete nicknamed ‘Kisii Express’ will also walk away in Morocco with a smile as she sealed a slot at the Worlds after hitting the qualification time at the semi -finals where she clocked 51.75 surpassing the qualifying mark of 51.80.

She now becomes the second Kenyan athlete to qualify for the Worlds over the distance after Hellen Syombua.

“It feels good to qualify for the World Championships, it was my dream and I have been looking for the time even at the nationals. However, I thank God that I have achieved that here in Morocco,” she said.

The athlete now has a few days to recover from the ankle injury ahead of the Worlds trials set for September 12-13.

It has been a good season so far for Moraa having clinched a gold medal earlier this year at the African Under-20 championships held in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.