‘Obiri gave me running sh*es’ – Moraa recalls heart-moving gesture from marathon star
800m world champion Mary Moraa has recalled how she was given running shoes by Hellen Obiri ahead of a crucial race six years ago.
Moraa was set to race in the mixed 4x400m relay at a packed Moi International Sports Complex in Kasarani, but she did not have the shoes.
Her early running shoes came from Obiri, a legendary runner in her own class, whose help came at a crucial moment for Moraa, who announced herself to the world at the 2017 World U18 Championships in Nairobi.
Obiri's helping hand
Moraa won a silver, but the most remarkable achievement that accompanied the medal should be the fact that she finished ahead of the Brazilian 400m hurdles star Alison dos Santos in the mixed 4x400m relay.
“It was my first time; I didn’t have shoes when I came for the championships. 2017 is when I became known, and I assured myself: ‘I will not let go of athletics.’ My principal supported me through high school until I finished, and then he handed me over to the coach.
“When Obiri gave me shoes and other running facilities, I told myself I would not disappoint her. I followed in her footsteps. I reminded myself, I may not have everything else, but I have the talent," Moraa told World Athletics.
Since then, Moraa has never looked back, and she has gone on to post remarkable results and trophies. She is also the Commonwealth Games champion, the 2022 world bronze medallist and Diamond Trophy winner, and the African U20 400m gold medallist.
The Dancing Queen, or Kisii Express, as she is fondly known, is a national record holder in the 400m with a time of 50.38 and also holds a 1:56.03 800m personal best.
“Now I am somewhere. I am somebody. A lady called me and said she had named her daughter Mary Moraa after me. I was surprised; I was confused," she added. 
Inspiration
With her growing stature in the world of athletics, Moraa knows she is an inspiring figure and also advises those hoping to follow in her footsteps.
"I am inspiring people back home in my community who now want their children to take up athletics.
"I know right now that some upcoming athletes are asking themselves what they need to do to be like Mary Moraa. You have to be at your best for people to admire you and what you do, for people to pick up athletics," she concluded.
