Reigning Africa Champion Mary Moraa has called out Kenyan athletes to embrace teamwork in future major championships if they are to win medals.
Moraa, whom has had wins in the Diamond League in Rabat and Stockholm earlier in the season, said the country should borrow a leaf from rivals Ethiopia.
“If you look at Ethiopians, they run as a team and not like Kenyans. For example, I was the only Kenyan in the final and I was forced to give it my all because there was no one to team up with despite the fierce battle,” she revealed.
Moraa finished third with a personal best of 1:56.71 to bag bronze with Olympic champion Athing Mu of the USA, winning gold in 1:56:30 as Great Britain’s Keely Hodkingson settled for silver in 1:56.38.
Moraa said she has learned a lot from her predecessors’ former world champions Janeth Jepkosgei and Pamela Jelimo and will seek to emulate them in the future.
“I thank them for the advice. They have really inspired me and in the future, I will strive to win gold for my country,” noted Moraa.
Mora has now shifted her focus on Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where she hopes to win gold.
“My next target is to go to Birmingham and win gold in the event. I know will not be easy but I will give it my best,” added Moraa.
She thanked the fans for supporting her and Team Kenya during the 10-day championship which drew to a close on Sunday.