World 800m champion Mary Moraa is ready for redemption against Olympic silver medallist Keeley Hodgkinson at the Paris Olympic Games.
In their last meeting at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon, the Briton edged out Moraa, claiming the title in 1:55.78.
Moraa followed in 1:56.71, with Jemma Reekie rounding off the podium in 1:57.45.
The Kisii Express is fired up for another showdown when the women’s 800m heats commence on Friday.
“Last time we met, she got the best of me. I hope we do our best and get to the finals for a rematch,” she said.
“I know Keeley has been training hard for the Olympics. I have also been working hard to be perfect. You never know who is going to win the race, but I expect it to be an intense race,” she added.
She is also cautious of the other athletes, acknowledging the elite field at the quadrennial extravaganza.
“It’s not just Keeley and me. There will be strong competitors like Natoya Goule from Jamaica, Reekie, and Nia Akins from the USA,” she added.
In Paris, Moraa will face Hodgkinson, Reekie, 2019 Pan American champion Natoya and USA’s two-time national champion Nia Akins.
Other notable competitors include two-time Diamond League winner Prudence Sekgodiso of South Africa, 2019 World champion Halimah Nakaayi of Uganda and African champion Tsige Duguma of Ethiopia.
“Whoever wins the race, we will join her in celebration,” Moraa said.
Her ultimate goal is to surpass her previous Olympic performance.
“In 2020, I got to the semis. This time around I want to do better, reach the finals and win a medal,” Moraa noted.
In Tokyo 2020, Moraa was eliminated in the semifinals after clocking 2:00.47 for third place in the first semifinal.
USA’s Athing Mu went on to clinch the title with a time of 1:55.21 with Hodgkinson (1:55.88) and USA’s Raevyn Rogers (1:56.81) completing the podium.
Moraa continues to intensify her training at Nyayo Stadium in readiness for Paris.
“I have been training and polishing up on some few areas. Before we leave for Paris in the week, I want to be in top shape,” she added.
Moraa further called on her fans to cheer her on as she sets her sights on securing an Olympic medal.
"I want my fans to continue praying for me so that I can come up with good results. I also hope I get to Paris in good health,” Moraa said.
In Paris, she will be in the company of national champion Lilian Odira and Vivian Chebet.
