Moraa eyes comeback after Philadelphia dip as World title defence beckons

World 800m champion Mary Moraa has shrugged off a below-par performance at the Philadelphia Grand Slam, insisting she's on track to rediscover her winning rhythm ahead of the World Championships in Tokyo this September.

Nicknamed the 'Dancing Queen', Moraa faded to a fifth-place finish at Franklin Field on Saturday, clocking 2:00.92 in the two-lap race.

Ethiopia’s Diribe Welteji clocked 1:58.94 to claim victory ahead of Britain’s Georgia Bell (1:58.99), and Australia’s Jessica Hull (1:59.63) completed the podium.

It was a second stumble in three Grand Slam Track Series appearances this season for Moraa, who is yet to hit her stride in 2025. 

At the season opener in Kingston on April 4, the 24-year-old struggled to an eighth-place finish in 2:00.97. 

That race was again dominated USA's Nikki Hiltz (1:58.23), Welteji (1:58.29) and Hull (1:58.58), claiming the podium in that race.

However, Moraa proved she’s still got fire in her legs during the Miami leg on May 4, where she stormed to victory in 1:59.51, edging out Hiltz (1:59.75) and Ethiopia’s Freweyni Hailu (1:59.84).

After the Philadelphia setback, the Commonwealth champion took to her socials with a dose of perspective and optimism. "Not a result I wanted from Philadelphia Grand Slam Track, but every setback forms an opportunity for a glorious comeback," Moraa shared on her socials.

She urged her fans to keep the faith as she keeps pushing herself for better results. "Thank you all for your support. Just hang in there as we keep grinding."

In addition to her 800m outings, Moraa has taken on multiple events this season as part of her Grand Slam Track commitments and speed-building strategy. 

She ventured into the 1,500m in Miami, placing last in 4:24.44 as Hailu (4:06.96), Hiltz (4:07.08) and Welteji (4:07.46) controlled the race from the bell.

Moraa also flexed her speed over 400m at the fifth Athletics Kenya Track and Field meet at the Ulinzi Complex on April 26, clocking 51.51 in the heats before opting out of the semifinals and final. 

Alongside Esther Mbagari, Mercy Oketch and Mercy Chebet, the quartet clocked 3:25.80 to storm to victory in the women's 4x400m relay. 

Moraa will be hoping to sharpen her form before the September World Championships in Tokyo, Japan, where she will line up to defend her crown. 

At the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, Moraa clocked 1:56.03 to claim gold ahead of Britain's Keely Hodgkinson (1:56.34) and USA's Athing Mu (1:56.61).

Her performance in Budapest was an improvement from the 2022 edition in Oregon, where she claimed bronze in 1:56.71 behind Mu (1:56.30) and Hodgkinson (1:56.38).