Orphaned as a toddler - 800m world champion Mary Moraa on how hardships inspire greatness
Imagine growing up with no childhood memory of your mum or even a photograph that proves her existence, instead creating memories based on what other people tell you. And then using that as inspiration to become one of the world's best runners.
Kenya's Mary Moraa discovered that her mother, who died when she was only two, was a runner. It was a discovery that then led her to pursue a career in running herself.
The Commonwealth Games women's 800m champion shared her thoughts with Olympics.com and how she wants to keep the memory of her mum alive, and she did just that winning her first 800m world title at the Budapest 23 World Athletics Championships running a personal best time of 1:56.03.
“As I am preparing and racing at such big events, I think about a lot of things…my family, my upbringing, which wasn’t easy,” said the second-fastest woman over 800m last season. “But I always appreciate the fact that despite the odds and the tough experiences, I managed to overcome them, and I am out here representing my country.”
The Kenyan had a magnificent 2023 and is hoping to continue her streak in this Olympic season - and the battle with Tokyo 2020 Olympic champion Athing Mu.
Mary Moraa on heartbreak and inspiration
Moraa’s world, and that of her three siblings, fell apart when their last surviving parent died at their home in Kisii in western Kenya. At the time, Moraa was still a toddler.
Her father had passed away just weeks earlier, leaving the four children - the youngest barely six months - to fend for themselves. They had to move in with their struggling, ageing grandparents.
As a young girl, Moraa ran to school, like most of the children growing up in the village. The six-kilometre commute was tough and long, but it turned out to be the perfect grooming ground for her track career, which would peak in high school.
While her running talent earned Moraa an education bursary, the teen still had to do menial jobs like working on farms to earn her upkeep.
“You are running like your mum,” some of the family members told Moraa of her late parent who was a sprinter in her days. Moraa did not have any personal memories of her mother, not even a photograph of her, but hearing these words and going out to run helped to feel connected to her and keep her memory alive.
“I never saw any photo of my mum. I have nothing to look at that would remind me of her, just the feeling… I remember I used to ask myself a lot of questions," Moraa told Olympics.com after her first training session at the 2023 World Athletics Championships.
“I remember telling myself, ‘If mum used to run, let me also follow in her footsteps and run’."
Having witnessed how running had transformed the life of double Olympic 5000m silver medallist Hellen Obiri who also comes from her hometown of Kisii, Moraa hoped that athletics would pave the path out of poverty for her family too.
“When I was young, I watched Hellen Obiri running and winning," she said. "That’s when I also developed a strong desire to emulate her.”
Mary Moraa’s switch from 400m at Doha 2019 to 800m
Moraa’s big break was at a weekend track and field meeting at the National Stadium in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi. The barefooted teen impressed with a second place finish in the 400m race, a performance that also earned her a ticket to the National Trials for the 2017 World U18 championships. She booked her slot in the 200m and 400m, and went on to earn silver in the half lap at the global junior event.
Her qualification for the World U20 the following year was never in doubt. She also made the senior team for the 2019 Worlds.
“I kept on running, obviously hoping that it can help me change our lives," Moraa said. "We struggled a lot, and with my earnings, I can now support my family. My youngest sister is just completing high school, at least comfortably.”
At Doha 2019, she missed the 400m podium, a setback that gave her a new impetus to step up to the 800m, a race that her mentor, Obiri, figured would fit her form.
Moraa accepted, but only feebly, discouraged by her previous attempt at a local meeting where she stumbled home in 2:08.3.
It took the bronze in Oregon 2022 in 1:56.71 to assure Moraa of her hidden potential over the two laps.
“The final in Oregon still stands as my best race,” she said. “That’s when I knew I have mastered the 800m and can run fast… From now on it can only get better, to 1:55 and then 1:54. I am really inspired by Faith Kipyegon’s performances this year, she broke three records unexpectedly. She has been very focused.”
Mary Moraa crosses the finish line to win the gold medal ahead Keely Hodgkinson.
Mary Moraa on how her success is inspiring the next generation of Kenyan runners
On top of wanting to medal at the Paris Olympics, Moraa is keen on regaining the Diamond League trophy she won in 2022, after losing it to Great Britain's Keely Hodgkinson last year.
Her dancing celebrations after major wins have become her trademark.
“Whenever I’m running, many thoughts flood my mind, my family, growing up… so I am truly appreciative of each opportunity to represent my country and the Kenyans who have cheered me on since they first watched me at Kasarani stadium (at the 2018 World U18 Championships)," Moraa said.
"My heart is full knowing that I am inspiring a lot of girls and those who follow me, ‘If Moraa can, they can!’”