This archive report was first published on 29 August 2019.
Kenyan athlete Mary Moraa has qualified for the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar, on September 28-October 6, 2019, after a strong performance at the African Games in Rabat, Morocco.
On August 28, 2019, Moraa narrowly missed the podium, placing fourth in the women's 400m event with a time of 51.97 seconds.
Despite the disappointment of not winning a medal, Moraa believes that the experience gained at the African Games will set her up for success at the World Championships.
"I tried my best and at first I feared facing off with athletes from Nigeria and Botswana and I think I have measured my strength with some of the best athletes," Moraa said.
However, Moraa had to run in pain due to a left knee injury she sustained prior to the nationals held last week at the national stadium in Kenya, where she clocked 52.65 seconds.
She sealed a slot at the Worlds after hitting the qualification time at the semi-finals, clocking 51.75 seconds and surpassing the qualifying mark of 51.80 seconds.
"It feels good to qualify for the World Championships, it was my dream and I have been looking for the time even at the nationals. However, I thank God that I have achieved that here in Morocco," she said.
