I was looking forward to Mu contest in Paris, says Moraa

World 800m champion Mary Moraa was hopeful a clash with USA's Olympic champion, Athing Mu, would get the best out of her.

Unfortunately, Mu will not be in Paris after failing to come through the US trials after a fall saw her finish last in 2:19.69.

The American made history as the youngest woman to hold an Olympic title in an individual track and field event after clocking 1:55.21 at the Tokyo Olympics four years ago.

Great Britain’s Keeley Hodgkinson (1:55.88) and Raevyn Rogers (1:56.81) of the US sealed the podium.

“Athing Mu failing to make the Olympics was a big blow to me. I was looking forward to a match-up with her. She is a tough opponent and no doubt that coming up against her would have helped me lower my time,” Moraa stated.

The Kisii Express boasts a personal best of 1:56.03, set during last year’s World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, where she triumphed.

Hodgkinson placed second in 1:56.34, with Mu sealing the podium in 1:56.61.

Moraa emphasised the importance of tough athletes in helping her gauge her abilities.

“I like it when the competition is tough. This is where I get to gauge my body to surpass my limits,” she said.

She hopes to meet Mu on the track in future.

“I look forward to meeting her in the Diamond Leagues series and next year’s World Championships. We are like sisters and we encourage each other on the track,” she added.

Meanwhile, Moraa is confident of beating her Tokyo exploits, where she crashed out in the semis after placing third in Semifinal 1 in 2:00.47.

“I am ready for Paris. It has been three years of preparation and dedication with the focus being to get better results than the previous edition,” Moraa said.

Nicknamed 'The Dancing Queen' due to her elegant moves at the finish line, Moraa aims for a podium and another opportunity to wiggle.

“I pray for good health. I want to add an Olympic medal to my collection. If this happens, my fans will see a new dance,” she noted.

Moraa will be in the company of national champion Lilian Odira and Vivian Chebet. They target a podium sweep.

“We aim to reach the final. From there we will work together to ensure a Kenyan podium sweep,” she said.