Mary Moraa set for moment of truth as British superstar awaits at London Athletics meet

Mary Moraa set for moment of truth as British superstar awaits at London Athletics meet

Festus Chuma 21:45 - 24.04.2024

English middle-distance runner Keely Hodgkinson is set to face rival Mary Moraa in 800m race at London Athletics meet in July.

World Olympic silver medalist Keely Hodgkinson has confirmed her participation in the upcoming London Athletics Meet where she is likely to face her formidable rival, Kenya's Mary Moraa. 

Although Moraa's participation is not yet confirmed, the anticipation of her lining up against Hodgkinson is generating considerable buzz.

Hodgkinson, a national record holder and a standout figure in British athletics, expressed her excitement about competing at the iconic London Stadium for the first time.

 "Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve dreamt of racing in the ‘Olympic’ stadium. I was so disappointed to miss out last year due to illness during the warm-up, but that makes this year extra special," said Hodgkinson as per British Athletics.

The 22-year-old had an exceptional summer, despite the setback of having to withdraw from last year's race. 

She clinched the European championship in August 2022 and continued to dominate the track with an early season world lead and national record at the Meeting de Paris Diamond League event.

Her time of 1:55.19 at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene marked another personal best, reaffirming her status as one of the top contenders in the 800m.

The London Athletics Meet, scheduled for July 20, is part of the prestigious 2024 Wanda Diamond League series. 

It comes just six days before the Olympic Games Opening Ceremony in Paris, making it an ideal final tune-up for athletes.

 Hodgkinson, reflecting on her decision to skip the indoor season, emphasized the importance of this meet in her preparations for the Olympics.

"The goal is Paris and everything I do between now and then, including lining up at the London Athletics Meet, is focused on winning Olympic gold," she stated.

Mary Moraa, on the other hand, has been Hodgkinson’s close competitor on several occasions, including their last encounter at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene.

Although Moraa finished fourth in that race, she clinched the world title in Budapest with a personal best of 1:56.03 demonstrating her formidable prowess in the 800m.

Their rivalry, which has seen Mu mostly dominate, with Moraa coming close behind, adds an intense and competitive edge to their expected meeting in London. 

The event promises to be a high-caliber affair with top athletes like Athing Mu, who has also been a strong competitor in previous championships, potentially joining the fray.

As Hodgkinson prepares for the London Meet, she reflects on her decision to skip the indoor season and focus on training. 

"I chose not to do an indoor season and instead had a longer period of training out in South Africa over the winter. That was a tough decision for me, but it was about laying the foundations to perform at my best this summer," she explained.

With the London Athletics Meet expected to sell out following a record-breaking year in 2023, fans are in for a thrilling spectacle. 

This event not only serves as a pivotal moment for athletes gearing up for the Olympics but also offers a platform for them to test their mettle against the world's best making it the perfect prelude to the games in Paris.

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