For years, Kenyan athletes have been trailblazers in the distance running domain. Names like Faith Kipyegon and Mary Moraa have not only achieved some significant milestones in their careers, but they have also paved the way for others. In a recent turn of events, the 800-meter world champion Mary Moraa was seen supporting her track and field compatriots at the national trials that were supposed to be the platform for their All Africa Games qualification.

Ahead of the trials, athletes were informed that there would only be one qualifying spot available per category for the various competitions. This led to a protest breaking out against the Kenyan authorities, which was later joined by Moraa. Days after this, the world champion is again in the headlines for her show of solidarity and good faith for one of the Kenyan athletes. The news has spread through the internet like wildfire, taking the track and field world by storm.

A champion exemplifying excellence in every aspect

The 23-year-old track and field middle distance sensation Mary Moraa melted everyone’s heart recently after she gifted running shoes to one of her nation’s aspiring talents. Reportedly, the runner was seen competing barefoot at the African Games trials, which caught the attention of Moraa, and she presented the runner with shoes. Justin Lagat posted the update on his X handle and wrote, “Mary Moraa gifts yet another runner with shoes after watching her make it to the Kenyan national African Games trials barefooted. Blessed is the hand that givesth.”

The pictures of her noble deed are circulating on social media, in which the young runner can be seen holding two pairs of shoes while flaunting the new ones. In one of the pictures, Moraa herself is seen making the runner wear the shoes, and both runners have smiles on their faces. Well, this is not the first instance when the Olympian has supported her fellow track and field mates; she has demonstrated similar acts of kindness in the past as well.

Mary Moraa: A messiah for young girls in track and field

In April 2023, Moraa’s gesture for one of her fellow runners captured every sports enthusiast’s heart when she donated sports gear to the athlete. It was Burundian track and field athlete Jeanine Keazimana, whom she presented with the gear after Keazimana’s participation in worn-out rubber shoes at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Nairobi went viral.

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Moraa watched from the stands and expressed deep concern upon witnessing the athlete nearly stumble three times while running, and being an athlete herself, it was painful for her to watch. Gestures like these make athletes become inspirations for others, and Mary Moraa is definitely one such athlete who has inspired her generation of athletes.