Mary Moraa faces formidable foes in quest for World Championships 800m glory

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ATHLETICS Mary Moraa faces formidable foes in quest for World Championships 800m glory

Festus Chuma 17:04 - 14.08.2023

The 23-year-old's unbeaten streak faces tough competition from international contenders.

Commonwealth Games 800m champion Mary Moraa has emerged as a formidable contender on the world stage, igniting speculation about her chances of securing gold at the upcoming 2023 World Championships in Budapest. 

With a trailblazing performance record this season, the 23-year-old has not only showcased her prowess but also set the stage for an exhilarating showdown among the globe's finest middle-distance runners.

The anticipation surrounding the women's 800m event at the World Championships has intensified, with the reigning champion Athing Mu's relatively limited participation this season casting a spotlight on other remarkable athletes. 

Mu, who dazzled with her gold-winning performance at the Tokyo Olympics, has ventured into different distances this year. While she is slated to compete in Budapest, the road to victory wo not be an easy one, given the caliber of competitors aiming to dethrone her.

Keely Hodgkinson, the world's fastest woman over 800m this season, is primed to give Mu a fierce challenge. 

The British sensation has exhibited remarkable form, culminating in her national record-breaking victory in the Paris Diamond League, where she clocked an astonishing 1:55.77.

The 21-year-old's meteoric rise and head-to-head battles against the likes of Ajee Wilson and Natoya Goule-Toppin have only solidified her contender status.

However, fierce rivalry brews between Hodgkinson and Mary Moraa, two athletes who have etched their names in the annals of 800m history. 

The duo's rivalry took center stage at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where they traded places on the podium. Moraa clinched gold, leaving Hodgkinson with silver. 

Their dynamic rivalry has continued this season, with a monumental clash in Lausanne where Moraa emerged victorious, ending Hodgkinson's impressive 10-race unbeaten streak.

Moraa's words reflect her steely determination: "All of us have been training and everybody is in good shape. In Budapest, anything can happen…I can't say I'm going to win, but I promise to do my best. We have only three medals and not everyone will finish on the podium. Anything can happen in the race and anybody can win."

Unbeaten in all seven of her 800m races this season, including triumphant outings in three Diamond League events, Mary Moraa has ascended to the pinnacle of the rankings. 

 The Kenyan's prowess on the track has captivated fans and experts alike, positioning her as a potential titleholder at the World Championships.

Adding to the intrigue is Scottish middle-distance sensation Jemma Reekie, whose recent standout performances have electrified the competition. 

A season's best of 1:57.30, the third-fastest time globally in 2023, has catapulted Reekie into the spotlight.

Her journey from narrowly missing out on an Olympic medal to setting impressive records underscores her hunger for success.

Reekie's performance in London has also inspired her competitors, including 2019 world champion Halima Nakaayi, who set a national record in the wake of Reekie's blazing run.

As the field gears up for the World Championships, it is clear that Moraa's path to gold will be riddled with challenges. 

The reigning champion, Athing Mu, despite her limited participation, remains a force to be reckoned with. 

Keely Hodgkinson's rapid ascent and her fierce rivalry with Moraa promise captivating battles on the track. 

Jemma Reekie's newfound confidence adds an unpredictable element to the narrative, potentially reshaping the landscape of the event.

The women's 800m event at the 2023 World Championships holds the promise of a gripping showdown among a diverse array of exceptional athletes.