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

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.