×
App Icon
The Standard e-Paper
Truth Without Fear
★★★★ - on Play Store
Download Now

World Athletics Championships: Mary Moraa and Lilian Odira qualify for 800m semifinal

Vocalize Pre-Player Loader

Audio By Vocalize

Kenya's Mary Moraa reacts after competing in the women's 800m heats during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo on September 18, 2025 [Philip Fong, AFP]

Defending champion Mary Moraa kept her title defence hopes alive at the 2025 World Athletics Championships after qualifying for the 800m semi-finals alongside compatriot Lilian Odira, while Sarah Moraa and Vivian Kiprotich bowed out.

Moraa, who has struggled with form this season, secured a spot in the next round with a second-place finish in Heat 2, clocking 1:58.44. She crossed the line just behind France's Anais Borgouin (1:58.43), with Slovakia's Gabriela Gajanova third in 2:00.44. The Kenyan appeared set for victory but eased off before the finish, having already done enough to advance.

Premium Article

Get Full Access for Ksh299/Week.

Uncover the stories others won't tell. Subscribe now for exclusive access.
Continue Reading  →
What you get
  • Unlimited access to all premium content
  • Ad-free browsing experience
  • Mobile-optimised reading
  • Weekly newsletters & digests
Pay via
M - PESA
VISA
Airtel Money
Secure Payments Kenya's most trusted newsroom since 1902
Football
Victor Wanyama: The Lion of Muthurwa who roared in Europe
Football
Harambee Starlets upbeat ahead of Fifa series
Sports
Starlets and Junior Malkia Strikers in race for Soya glory
Hockey
Wounded giants St Anthony's and Kamusinga seek redemption