Moraa sets sights on back-to-back 800m world title in Tokyo

Only two women—Cuba’s Ana Fidelia Quirot in 1995 Gothenburg and 1997 Athens, and South Africa’s Caster Semenya in 2009 Berlin and 2011 Daegu—have won back-to-back 800m world titles.

Moraa, who won bronze at last year’s Paris Olympics is eager to join this elite club.

“I was discussing it with my mentor, Hellen Obiri. No one has won it twice in recent years—there have been different champions in 2019, 2022, and 2023. That shows how tough it is to retain the title. I hope God will help me bring it back home. It would mean everything to me,” said Moraa.

The 24-year-old has already begun her preparations with her coach, setting her sights on her first competitive outing of 2025 in Jamaica this April, where she will compete in both the 800m and 1500m events.

Moraa also reflected on the motivation she drew from winning a bronze medal at the last Olympic Games in France.

“I have resumed training, and our main focus is the World Championships. I’m taking it step by step as I prepare for the competitions ahead," she added.

Moraa is only the third Kenyan woman to have won the 800m world title, following in the footsteps of Janet Jepkosgei (2007) and Eunice Sum (2013).

Now, she is determined to etch her name in history by achieving what no other Kenyan woman has done—defending the crown.