Kenya’s World 800m champion Mary Moraa will miss the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou, China, after a last-minute visa hitch dashed her travel plans. This has left the national team without one of its brightest stars. Moraa, fresh from the Grand Slam Track 800m win, would have been a good boost to Team Kenya.
Mary Moraa was set to anchor the women’s 4x400m relay squad. She had been named as a headline act for Team Kenya alongside Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala.
However, as the team wrapped up their residential training at Ulinzi Sports Complex and prepared to depart on Wednesday evening, confirmation came that Moraa would not be on the flight to China.
The absence of Mary Moraa, a Commonwealth champion and multiple global medalist, is a major setback for Kenya’s relay ambitions. Coach Stanley Towet had highlighted her inclusion as crucial to the team’s prospects. Noting that her experience and speed would have boosted the women’s 4x400m lineup.
“Commonwealth Games 100m champion Ferdinand Omanyala, Olympian Zablon Ekwam and coach Simon Riga are already in China as part of the Team Kenya advance party.
Meanwhile, world 800m champion Mary Moraa will miss the championships due to a visa hitch,” stated Athletics Kenya.
Moraa’s leadership and ability to perform under pressure were expected to inspire Kenya’s young relay squad. However, they will now have to chase qualification for the World Championships in Tokyo later this year without her.
Team Kenya Remains Focused Despite the Setbacks
Despite this disappointment, Team Kenya remains focused. The men’s 4x100m squad, led by Omanyala, and a strong contingent in the men’s and mixed 4x400m relays, continue to train with determination. Coaches and athletes have expressed confidence in their preparations, too. Coach Towet praised the team’s improvements in speed and baton exchanges during camp.
“We have done most of what we expected to, even though we will tune up once in China to shake off the jet lag and acclimatise,” he said.
Moreover, Towet hopes to have longer residential training in the future.
“Relays require at least a month in training to harmonise all the aspects, especially baton flow in the 4x100m,” said Towet.
Kenya’s relay teams will now compete in Guangzhou without their world champion, hoping to overcome the setback and secure World Championships qualification. As the squad departs, the spotlight will shift to the remaining stars to uphold Kenya’s proud relay tradition on the global stage.
