Mary Moraa withdraws from Brussels penultimate Diamond League showdown
Mary Moraa has confirmed she will not line up for the 400m race in the penultimate Diamond League Circuit in Brussels, Belgium, on Friday, September 8, 2023.
The 800m world champion was among the high-level athletes who were expected to grace the event, but due to unavoidable circumstances, she has chosen to withdraw.
Withdrawal
"Good morning, lovely people. Unfortunately, I won't dance for you this evening at the Brussels Diamond League. I was to compete in the 400m but failed to travel due to unavoidable circumstances.
"However, expect me at the Prefontaine Classic Diamond League Finals in Oregon, USA, where I am set to defend my 800m title and perhaps unleash the last jig of this incredible season.
"Wishing my colleagues competing in Brussels the best of luck," Moraa said in a statement.
Kenyan fans were expecting to see the Kisii Express battle for the 400m honours against Jamaica’s Candice McLeod, who finished second at the Xiamen Diamond League meeting. Belgium's Cynthia Bolingo and Helena Ponette are the others expected to take part in the race on Friday.
Moraa, 23, who has been stellar, started her season at the Botswana Golden Grand Prix in 400m, took part in the Kenya Police Championships, and also competed in the 400m at the World Championships National Trials.
The Budapest 800m gold medallist, who first appeared in the Diamond League in Monaco but ended up finishing sixth, set a new national record of 50.38 during the national trials at Nyayo Stadium.
After withdrawing from the Brussels meeting, eyes will be on her during the finals in Oregon when she defends her title.
Kipsang vs Ingebrigtsen
Meanwhile, after Moraa's withdrawal, Abel Kipsang's battle with Norwegian superstar Jakob Ingebrigtsen in the 2000m race is expected to attract much attention. This will be their second recent meeting after their clash at the Budapest Championships, where Ingebrigtsen took gold in the 1500m with Kipsang finishing fourth.
In mind, both Kipsang and Ingebrigtsen will hope to break the 4:44.79 record set by Morocco's retired star Hicham El Guerrouj in 1999.
Reynold Cheruiyot, Boaz Kiprugut, and Cornelius Tuwei are the others looking to beat Ingebrigtsen and probably break the 1999 record, as they have lined up to participate in the 2000m race too.
Wycliffe Kinyamal, the 2018 Commonwealth Games 800m champion, and Collins Kipruto will be up against world bronze medallist Ben Pattison and Slimane Moula from Algeria in the distance.
Lilian Kasait, Caroline Nyaga, Winnie Jemutai, and Ednah Jebitok will be Kenyans lining up in the women’s 5000m.
