Mary Moraa dealt fresh setback days after comeback
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Reading Time: 3min | Sun. 21.06.26. | 15:40
She had been out of action since the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where she later revealed she had been battling a serious medical condition
Kenya's 800m star Mary Moraa has suffered another major setback just days after making her long-awaited return to competition following a lengthy absence.
The reigning Commonwealth Games women's 800m champion sustained a muscle injury during the Athletics Kenya (AK) trials for the 2026 Commonwealth Games, effectively ending her hopes of defending the title she won in Birmingham four years ago.
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Moraa had been out of action since the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where she later revealed she had been battling a serious medical condition that nearly forced her into retirement.
The 2023 world champion showed encouraging signs upon her return at the AK trials.
Competing in heat five of the women's 400m, Moraa finished second in 54.12 seconds to secure qualification to the semi-finals.
She then impressed in the first semi-final, storming to victory in 53.08 seconds.
However, her comeback was cut short after she suffered a muscle injury during the competition.
Taking to social media, Moraa expressed her disappointment while thanking fans for their support throughout her recovery journey.
"Sad that things didn't go as anticipated, having pulled my muscle in the contest. I live to fight another day. Thank you so much for your prayers, gratitude, and confidence. I will be back stronger, healthy soon," Moraa said.
The injury means Moraa will not have the opportunity to defend the Commonwealth Games women's 800m title she won spectacularly at the 2022 Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
The Kisii-born athlete produced a tactical masterclass to claim gold in 1:57.07, cementing her status among the world's best two-lap runners.
Despite missing out on Glasgow, Moraa backed her fellow Kenyans to keep the title in Kenyan hands.
"Wishing Team Kenya the best of luck at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games. I am particularly confident that Lilian Odira, Janet Amimo, and Vivian Chebet will perform extremely well to have the 800m title remain at home. Am equally certain that the trio of Mercy Oketch, Mercy Chebet, and Nancy Jepkosgei will medal in the 400m. Go ye and conquer," she added.
The latest setback comes after Moraa recently opened up about the illness that derailed her season and nearly ended her athletics career.
The Olympic 800m bronze medalist revealed that she experienced sudden dizziness and extreme weakness during the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.
Although she comfortably won her heat and semi-final, Moraa struggled in the final, eventually finishing seventh in a season's best time of 1:57.10 as compatriot Lilian Odira claimed gold in a championship record of 1:54.62.
Moraa later disclosed that her condition worsened during the race, forcing her to seek urgent medical attention immediately after the final.
She remained in Tokyo for treatment after the rest of Team Kenya had returned home.
The illness triggered months of recovery and uncertainty, with Moraa admitting she considered walking away from the sport before doctors finally identified and managed the condition.
Following extensive medical examinations and treatment, she was only cleared to resume training and competition a few weeks ago.
Moraa has since credited medical teams from Team Kenya, Tokyo, Aga Khan Hospital, Nairobi Hospital, and Kenyatta National Hospital for helping her return to the track.
Her comeback officially began at the National Police Service Championships at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on May 27, where she finished second in the women's 400m in 53.68 seconds.
Before the injury setback at the Commonwealth Games trials, Moraa had expressed her intention to compete in selected Diamond League meetings later this season as she builds towards full fitness and prepares for the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing.