Mary Moraa did not give it much thought when she started experiencing general fatigue and dizziness in training in the lead-up to the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, in September, last year.
Her performance was not alarming, even though it was not at her peak level.
The 2023 world women’s 800m champion, who owns a personal best time of 1:56.03, ran 1:58.44 in the heats to qualify for the semi-final in Tokyo, which she won in 1:58.40.
In the finals on September 13, Moraa led through the bell but ran out of gas just before the home straight to finish an uncharacteristic seventh in a season best 1:57.10, as compatriot Lilian Odira won gold in a personal best and championship record time of 1:54.62.
“I dismissed the general weakness and dizziness as normal owing to the intense training I was undergoing,” said Moraa.
But her dizziness suddenly worsened, and she was forced to seek medical attention in Tokyo.
“I thought the world had collapsed when I read the doctor’s grim report in Tokyo,” said Moraa.
She was diagnosed with a heart condition. She returned to Kenya and visited several cardiologists at Nairobi Hospital, Aga Khan and Kenyatta National Hospital to seek a cure.
“It has not been easy for the last several months, when I have been on medication. I actually contemplated throwing in the towel, but I am glad I did not. Three weeks ago, the doctors cleared me to run again,” said Moraa.
Mary Moraa (left) and Hellen Syombua cross 400m finishing line during National Police Service Track and Field Championship on 27th May 2026 at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Photo credit: Chris Omollo| Nation Media Group
Moraa competed for the first time in eight months at the 14th edition of the National Police Service Track and Field Championships that ended on May 27, 2026, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
The 25-year-old Moraa finished second in the women’s 400m final in a time of 53.68 seconds. Earlier, she finished second in the women’s 800m semi-final in a time of 2:15.96. Mercy Chebet, who is still at the Police Training College, won the 400m race in 52.57 while guest runner Pauline Muhonja claimed the 800m crown in 2:03.81.
“I have trained for two weeks and I feel great. The fatigue, weakness and dizziness I used to feel are gone,” said Moraa, who thanked the doctors, who came through for her.
“I really want to thank God for this second chance. I don’t take it for granted. I am sure many people, especially my fans, were wondering where I was,” said Moraa. “I want to tell them I am back on track, to win and dance once again.”
Moraa, christened the “Dancing Queen”, said she will compete in the 400m first before returning to her 800m speciality.
“The doctors have advised me to take things slowly as I try to regain my form. I am in no hurry,” said Moraa.
Mary Moraa of Kenya reacts after winning her 800m semi-final at Stade de France, Saint-Denis, France on August 04, 2024.
Photo credit: Dylan Martinez | Reuters
She revealed she would fight for a 400m place for the Commonwealth Games scheduled for July 23 to August 2 in Glasgow, Scotland.
“Realistically, I won’t be ready to defend my Commonwealth Games 800m title,” said Moraa, adding that her main focus will be next year’s World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics Games in the United States of America.
Moraa’s coach, Alex Sang, was elated that she could return to full competition after her medical scare.
“Moraa is a fighter and I believe she will pick up and return stronger,” said Sang.
Sang said the qualifying standards for next year’s world championships were high, and her athlete was determined to attain them.
The women’s 800m qualifying standard for next year’s World Championships is 1:57.50 compared to 1:59.80 for Budapest 2023 and 1:59.00 for Tokyo 2025.
Kenyan cross country champion Maureen Chebor won the women’s 10,000m in 33:23.18, a day after she reigned supreme in women’s 5,000m. Former champion Stacy Ndiwa finished second in the women’s 10,000m in a time of 33:25.66.
