Mary Moraa has explained why she chose to compete at the Kip Keino Classic rather than go to the Diamond League Meeting in Xiamen.
Reigning World 800m champion Mary Moraa has opened up on why she chose to compete at the Kip Keino Classic instead of the Diamond League Meeting opener in Xiamen, China on Saturday, April 20.
Most athletes including double world record holder Faith Kipyegon and World 100m champion Sha’Carri Richardson opted to open their seasons with the Diamond League but Moraa preferred to compete in her first 800m race on home soil.
Kisii Express explained that she would have gone to the Diamond League but there was no 800m event for the women and she did not want to delay her season opener. The meeting in Xiamen only offers the 800m race for the men.
“The Diamond League lacks all events and, in this case, the one in China does not have the 800m. I opted for Kip Keino because I’ll be able to open my season and run the 800m.
“It’s an advantage for me because as others will be running other races, I will also be competing and I’ll be able to gauge my body,” Moraa said.
The Africa Games 400m champion also urged fans to show up in large numbers at the Nyayo National Stadium and support the athletes as they showcase their skills.
She added that her training has been going on well and she is ready to pull off something great, that’s why fans should not miss the event.
“My training has been going on well…I can’t complain because I have no injuries and I’m well prepared.
“When that time comes, I want to be prepared mentally and I want to achieve all my targets. I want to encourage the fans to come and witness us, they should not stay in the house and watch us on TV,” Moraa added.
