St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ middle-distance star Shafiqua Maloney says she’s in shape to clock season best as she continues to fine-tune her race strategy ahead of the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi, Kenya slated on 31st May,2025
Speaking after landing in Kenya, Maloney reflected on her recent competition, saying:
“It was a pretty good competition. I got out really fast, which I’m used to .It wasn’t anything to panic about. I spoke to my coach and he was happy with what I did. I was happy with what I did.”
Maloney emphasized the importance of learning from each race:
“I know I’m better than that and I have more in me. As each race goes by, I fix the little things, work on tactics. That’s one of the biggest takeaways from that race.”
The 800m specialist highlighted a key area of improvement ,race tactics. That is something she’s historically been struggling with but feels she’s now mastering:
“Tactically, I made good decisions, which I’ve always struggled with in the past. That was one of the biggest positives coming away from that race. Every race is different, and knowing what to do in the moment is really important.”
Her personal ambition is clear:
“For sure, 1:57 is definitely there. I am in shape to do that this year. If all goes well, and I stay healthy and continue to put in the work. It will happen — hopefully sooner rather than later.”
Maloney also reflected on her journey from humble beginnings in St. Vincent, where training facilities were limited:
“There’s no secret that in St. Vincent we didn’t have everything we needed to be the best possible athletes. Getting the opportunity to go to the U.S. and train opened my eyes. When I first got to Arkansas, there were a lot of pros training there. That was the first time I saw that it’s possible to make it.”
Representing the Caribbean in a traditionally African and European-dominated distance event inspires her:
“The Caribbean is really big on sprinting — Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada — all known for the 100 to 400 meters. So being a rising 800m athlete from the Caribbean shows kids that no matter where you’re from, whatever event you choose, you’re capable of great things if you put in the work.”
Thrilling 800m Showdown Looms at Kip Keino Classic
Anticipation is building ahead of the Absa Kip Keino Classic Continental Tour Gold. Kenyan 800m sensation Sarah Moraa is set to take on Maloney in what promises to be a thrilling middle-distance clash.
For Moraa, the race on home soil marks her first outing in Kenya this season, a move she describes as both strategic and symbolic. The World Under-20 800m champion is eager to harness home advantage in front of local fans. She aims to assert her dominance in the event.
However, Maloney, known for her tactical prowess and resilience in high-pressure races, is ready to make a statement against one of the world’s best middle-distance runners.
“Racing against athletes like Sarah Moraa is an exciting challenge, and I’m looking forward to learning and growing,” said Maloney.
With both athletes at the peak of their form, the Kip Keino Classic’s women’s 800m race is shaping up to be one of the season’s standout middle-distance battles. A true test of speed, strategy, and stamina.