World Under-20 800m champion Sarah Moraa was all smiles after dipping under the 1:59 World Championships entry standard in the women's 800m with a dazzling performance at the Kip Keino Classic on Saturday.
Moraa, clocked a new personal best of 1:58.96 to place third in a stacked field at the Ulinzi Sports Complex — comfortably inside qualifying mark for the Tokyo 2025 World Championships.
The race was won in style by Olympian Lilian Odira, who posted a commanding 1:58.31, with Botswana’s Oratile Nowe finishing second in 1:58.47.
Moraa was elated with the breakthrough performance, admitting she didn’t expect to dip under 1:59 on home soil.
"I was prepared for the race but I was not expecting to run under 1:59 in Kenyan soil," Moraa said.
The young middle distance sensation was pleased to have come up against Olympians and global stars.
"It was exciting to run against Olympians and get the World Championship qualifying time," she said.
"It was also so nice to lower my personal best. It was a good race."
The 19-year-old’s run marked a moment of redemption, having missed out on Olympic qualification last year during the Paris Games trials at Nyayo Stadium.
"Last year I did not get the time for the Paris Olympics and I was so heartbroken but now I am happy I was able to meet the Tokyo entry time," Moraa said.
She now hopes to sharpen her talons as she prepares for the global showdown in September.
"My aim is to now work hard to secure my place in the team and make my maiden World Championship appearance."
Meanwhile, Odira credited her sharp form to a strong base built during the 2km loop cross country races earlier in the season.
"I have really worked hard form the cross country build up. I was coming to gauge my body," she said.
She belives lowering her best in her first 800m outdoor race will be key to claiming top accolades this year.
"Clocking a new personal best in my first 800m outdoor competition was huge and qualifying for Tokyo," she said.
Nowe, who placed second, was pleased to finish healthy but left the track with mixed emotions.
“I expected to win, but I’m happy to have finished the race healthy,” said Nowe.
“I have to work on my start since that’s what hasn't worked for me today. I’m looking forward to improving in my next competition, which will be next month.”
