Chebet gets Kenya's first gold in Paris as Moraa bags bronze
Chebet blazed to victory in 14:28.56
6mon agoTEDDY MULEISports
After narrowly missing out on a spot in the 800m women’s team for the 2024 Paris Olympics, World Under-20 champion Sarah Moraa is focused on punching her ticket to the Tokyo World Championships in September.
Moraa came heartbreakingly close to the Olympic entry mark of 1:59.30, clocking 1:59.39 to finish third at the Kenya Olympic trials—just nine milliseconds shy of her maiden appearance to the global extravaganza.
Determined to bounce back, the 19-year-old is sharpening her skills as she aims for a sub1:59.00 performance to book her place in Tokyo.
“I missed out on the Olympics after falling short of the qualifying time, but I’m fully committed to hitting the mark for the World Championships this year,” Moraa said.
To achieve her target, Moraa has set her sights on the Diamond League series, viewing it as an ideal stage to chase qualification time.
“I plan to participate in several Diamond League meetings to meet the World Championships standard early,” she stated.
Her preparations will kick off at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, from March 21–23, where she hopes to fine-tune her form for the 2025 season.
“The World Indoors will be my first test this year and I see it as a great stepping stone to a strong track season. I’m aiming for good results,” she added.
Moraa’s confidence is bolstered by impressive performances during the cross-country season. She placed fourth in the 2km loop race at the Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series in Olkalou, clocking 9:41.1.
Moraa went on to claim victory at the Nairobi Region Cross Country Championships last Friday, clocking 6:39.3 ahead of Vivian Cherotich ( 6:52.2 ) and Emily Cherotich ( 6:52.8 ).
“If I maintain this momentum, I’m confi dent I can hit the qualifi cation time for Tokyo,” she said.
The young track sensation believes her cross-country stint has laid a solid foundation for the track season.
“My first cross-country race was in Olkalou and Nairobi was my second. These races have been great for my endurance buildup.”
Despite the heartache of 2024, Moraa views the year as a turning point, having made her international debut at the World U-20 Championships in Lima, Peru, where she clinched the 800m title in 2:00.36.
“Last year was pivotal for me. It was my fi rst time running the 800m internationally and I owe a lot to my mentor Mary Moraa, who has been instrumental in my progress,” she shared.
