Mary Moraa, the world champion, fends off Jemma Reekie in the women’s 800m event.

Mary Moraa displayed another stellar performance in the women’s 800m event at the Doha Diamond League on Friday. The reigning world champion from Kenya showcased her tactical prowess as she took the lead at the bell after the pacemaker exited the track. Moraa then controlled the pace, with her competitors closely trailing behind.

Among the challengers was Jemma Reekie, the world indoor silver medalist, who attempted to overtake Moraa but was unsuccessful. Moraa, who had already secured a victory in her first 800m race of the season in Nairobi, maintained her position at the front before accelerating in the final stretch, crossing the finish line in 1:57.91.

Noelle Yarigo of Benin, who previously won bronze in Glasgow behind Reekie, secured third place once again, followed by Ethiopia’s Habitam Alemu and Uganda’s former world champion Halimah Nakaayi in fifth.

Moraa’s strategic race tactics, combined with her impressive speed, indicate that she may be a strong contender at the Paris 2024 Olympics. With notable wins over athletes like Olympic champion Athing Mu and Keely Hodgkinson, Moraa continues to solidify her status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of women’s middle-distance running.