Shabana patron Sam Nyamweya hosts 800m champion Mary Moraa for luncheon
Women’s 800 metres world champion Mary Moraa has thanked Gusii leaders for according her a warm reception upon her return to the country.
She spoke to Nairobi News on September 5, 2023, moments after she was hosted to a lunch reception by former Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Sam Nyamweya at the former’s Karen residence in Nairobi.
“I am humbled by all this support,” she explained.
“We work hard to deliver on the track and fly the country’s flag and I am so happy that we are having this kind of reception. I will not let Kenyans down. I want to rest for a few weeks and then will commence training for the Paris Olympics.”
Nyamweya, a close ally of President William Ruto, doubles up as patron of FKF Premier League side Shabana.
“Sports is one of the medium where we can have several of our youngsters in employment. Moraa is doing a great job out there and we have to celebrate her. She is following the in the footsteps of Hellen Obiri. We have so much athletics talent in Gusii region and the next step is for us to try and identify and tap it,” added Nyamweya.
Nyamweya further appointed Moraa Shabana FC International Ambassador.
Later, Nyaribari Masaba MP Dr. Daniel Manduku hosted the 800m Champion at her Karen home and honoured her by inviting fellow MPs and dignitaries including lawmakers Patrick Osero, Peter Salasyia, Jerusha Momanyi, Geoffrey Mosiria, and Stephen Nyarangi.
The leaders awarded the world beater a Sh250,000 token.
Moraa danced with joy after winning the two-lap race in comfortable ease at the recent World Championship in Budapest.
She took the lead in the final 100 metres and left race favourite USA’s Athing Mu in her wake, timing a personal best of 1:56.34 in the process.
Kenya’s Mary Moraa skipped over the line in joy as she won the women’s 800 metres world title on Sunday in Budapest, ending Athing Mu’s dominance of the event.
Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson settled for silver like last year with a 1:56.34.
For her efforts, Moraa, who was the only other Kenyan – after Faith Kipyegon to win Gold at the World Championship, was awarded Sh2 million by President William Ruto at an elaborate State ceremony.
Kenya emerged top ranked African team at the Championship, and fifth overall.
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