Introduction
Mary Moraa’s 2024 athletics season has been nothing short of spectacular. From clinching a bronze medal at the Paris Olympic Games to setting a new world best in the 600m, Moraa has left an indelible mark on the track this year. Yet, the 800m Olympic bronze medalist is not quite ready to rate her season’s overall performance. Before drawing any conclusions, Moraa has one more race to go — the women’s 800m at Athlos, a prestigious women-only event in New York, scheduled for September 26.
In this article, we’ll explore her exceptional 2024 season and the major milestones that have defined it, while also looking ahead to her final race and how it may shape her final assessment.
A Standout Season: Moraa’s Major Wins
Mary Moraa’s 2024 season is one for the history books. She has consistently demonstrated her dominance on the track across multiple events, culminating in several remarkable achievements.
1. Paris Olympic Games Bronze Medal
The first major highlight of Moraa’s season was her outstanding performance at the Paris Olympic Games, where she earned a bronze medal in the women’s 800m. Competing against the world’s best athletes, She showed incredible grit and determination to claim her spot on the podium. This victory not only solidified her status as one of the top middle-distance runners in the world but also set the tone for her 2024 season.
2. Diamond League Triumph in Brussels
Moraa’s success didn’t end with the Olympics. She continued her winning streak at the Diamond League final in Brussels, where she took home the prestigious trophy. This victory was another testament to her unwavering focus and remarkable endurance throughout the season. The Diamond League win further emphasized her dominance in the 800m, marking her as a top contender in global athletics.
3. Breaking the 600m World Record
Perhaps one of the most notable achievements of her 2024 season was her record-breaking performance in the 600m race at the ISTAF 2024 event in Berlin. Moraa shattered Caster Semenya’s world best time, making headlines across the globe. Her 600m run was a true display of speed and strength, as she became the new world record holder in this unique event.
Other Key Victories: African Games, Kip Keino Classic, and More
In addition to her major wins at the Olympics, Diamond League, and Berlin, Moraa has also been a dominant force in other major competitions throughout the year.
1. African Games Gold in 400m
Moraa showcased her versatility by claiming top honors in the women’s 400m at the African Games. Competing in this shorter sprint event, she proved that her athletic abilities extend beyond middle-distance races. This victory added yet another feather to her cap and demonstrated her all-around prowess on the track.
2. Kip Keino Classic
At the Kip Keino Classic, one of the premier athletics events in Kenya, Moraa once again emerged victorious, further cementing her dominance on home soil. Her win at this event delighted Kenyan fans and reinforced her position as one of the country’s brightest athletic stars.
3. Diamond League Wins in Doha and Lausanne
Moraa’s success on the Diamond League circuit extended beyond Brussels. She secured important wins in both Doha and Lausanne, further establishing her consistency and ability to perform at the highest level. Her second-place finish at the Prefontaine Classic also underscored her relentless pursuit of excellence.
The Final Race: Athlos and Moraa’s Season Evaluation
While Moraa’s season has been exceptional, she has yet to deliver her final verdict on how she views her performance in 2024. The reason? Moraa has one more race on her schedule—the women’s 800m at the Athlos event in New York on September 26.
Athlos is a women-only event organized by Alex Ohanian, and Moraa sees this as her final opportunity to cap off an already successful season. “This season has been great, but I’ll give my final verdict after the New York race,” Moraa said upon her return to Kenya following her Diamond League win in Brussels.
1. What’s at Stake in New York?
Moraa heads into the Athlos event with high expectations. A win in New York would allow her to close the season on a high note, reinforcing her reputation as one of the most formidable athletes in middle-distance running. More importantly, this race represents a chance for her to reflect on her progress and assess her 2024 season with a final triumph.
2. Confidence in Her Preparation
Moraa has expressed confidence in the work that she and her coach, Alex Sang, have put into preparing for this season. From training camps to tactical race strategies, Moraa’s meticulous preparation has been crucial to her success. She also acknowledged the unwavering support of her partner, Richard Lagat, who has played an instrumental role in helping her maintain focus and motivation throughout the year.
Reflecting on an Exceptional Season
Regardless of the outcome in New York, Moraa’s 2024 season has been a remarkable journey marked by hard work, determination, and support from her close-knit team.
1. Breaking Boundaries with the 600m World Record
The highlight of her season, breaking the 600m world record, is a testament to Moraa’s desire to push the limits of what is possible. Her performance in Berlin was not only a personal victory but also a milestone in global athletics, showcasing her potential to break more records in the future.
2. Support System and Strategy
Moraa’s success this season is also a reflection of the strong support system around her. She credits her coach, Alex Sang, for his guidance and training regimen, which allowed her to peak at the right times. Her partner, Richard Lagat, has also been a pillar of support, helping her stay focused during the intense schedule.
Conclusion
Mary Moraa’s 2024 season has been nothing short of spectacular, with major wins across a variety of events, including the Olympics, Diamond League, and breaking the 600m world record. As she prepares for her final race at Athlos in New York, the outcome of this competition will serve as the final chapter of an unforgettable year. With the unwavering support of her coach and partner, Moraa’s 2024 season is one that will be remembered for its achievements, milestones, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
The anticipation for her final race is high, and all eyes will be on her as she seeks to end her season on a winning note in New York.
