Olympics
Exclusive: Mary Moraa Explains Motivation Behind Electric Dance After Races
Fans delight in watching 2022 Commonwealth Champion Mary Moraa triumph in her beloved 800m race, but the excitement does not end there.
Mary Moraa//Getty Images
The spectators eagerly await her electrifying dance moves, a signature spectacle that adds an extra spark to her victories.
As soon as she crosses the finish line, Moraa turns the track into her stage, wowing the audience with her contagious energy. In addition to her electric performance, it is that signature celebration that keeps fans glued to the track and TV.
Mary Moraa’s Signature Dance
SportBoom.com caught up with Moraa to delve deeper into the inspiration behind her electrifying celebrations.
As it turns out, her signature dance is not just a celebration of her victories on the track but also a constant reminder of the journey, the obstacles she overcame, and the perseverance that has propelled her forward.
She adopted the dance after winning her first-ever senior global title during the 2022 Commonwealth Games when she clocked 1:57:07. During that race, her coach told her to go and enjoy herself on the track and did not give her any game plan.
The dance is also meant to entertain her fans and ensure they flock to the stadium anytime she competes.
It reflects my struggles since the 2022 Commonwealth Games. When I run, I want to entertain my fans and put a smile on their face. The next time they hear Moraa is competing in any stadium, they come and cheer me,
Moraa
Moraa’s Motivation for Running Deeply Personal
Growing up in Kisii, South-Western Kenya, she discovered that her late mother Margaret Otwori, who passed away when Moraa was just two years old, had also been a runner.
This revelation inspired her to pursue a career in athletics, and since then, running has become a way for her to honor her mother's memory.
“Whenever I’m running, many thoughts flood my mind – my family, growing up… I truly appreciate each opportunity to represent my country and the Kenyans who have cheered me on since they first watched me at Kasarani stadium during my debut at the 2018 World U18 Championships,” she said.
Moraa’s early life was filled with hardship. After losing both parents by the time she was a toddler, she and her three siblings Nyaboke, Nicholas Mbegera, and Celestine Kemunto had to move in with their aging grandparents, struggling to make ends meet.
Despite these challenges, running became Moraa’s escape and eventually her ticket to a better life.
As a young girl, she ran six kilometers to school each day, unknowingly laying the foundation for her future career. In high school, her running talent earned her a bursary, but she still had to take on menial jobs to cover her upkeep.
Her breakthrough came at a track and field meeting in Nairobi, where the barefooted teen finished second in the 400m, earning her a spot at the 2017 World U18 Championships. She won silver in the 200m, followed by a successful qualification for the World U20 the following year.
However, it was not until the 2019 World Championships in Doha that Moraa’s career took a decisive turn. Missing the 400m podium was a bitter pill to swallow, but it also opened the door to a new challenge; the 800m.
Her mentor, Hellen Obiri, believed this longer distance was a better fit for her. Initially hesitant, Moraa took on the 800m with some skepticism. Her first attempt at a local race saw her finish in 2:08.3, but perseverance paid off.
She clinched the bronze medal in the 800m at the Oregon 2022 World Championships with a time of 1:56.71, proving her potential in the two-lap event.
In 2023, Moraa’s career reached new heights as she claimed her first 800m world title at the Budapest World Athletics Championships, running a personal best time of 1:56.03.
She has continued to achieve great feat in 2024. She clinched bronze during the Olympics, won the Zurich, Brussels, Doha, and Lausanne Diamond Meetings, and set a World Record for 600m at the ISTAF meeting in Berlin where she clocked 1:21.63 to beat the time of Caster Semenya from 2017.
She ended her season with the Athlos NYC where she clinched second place in 1:58:05. “I want to inspire girls who look up to me. If Moraa can, they can,” she concluded.
Tabby Nashipae is a young Kenyan sports journalist known for her insightful reporting and passionate storytelling. Her work is characterized by her ability to connect with sportspersons and bring their stories to life, capturing the human element behind the competition.