Mary Moraa of Kenya crossed the finish line with elation to secure victory in the women’s 800-meter world title on Sunday in Budapest, bringing an end to Athing Mu’s reign over the event.
The 23-year-old clocked a personal best time of 1 minute 56.03 seconds, outpacing Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson who settled for a silver medal, as she did last year, completing the race in 1 minute 56.34 seconds.
Mu, the Olympic and defending world champion, who has had limited race appearances this year, took the third spot with a time of 1 minute 56.61 seconds. Despite Mu’s early lead from the start, Moraa and Hodgkinson remained in close pursuit.
While Mu’s commanding presence was felt throughout the race, Moraa managed to stay with the 21-year-old American standout, while Hodgkinson opted to ease off the pace as they approached the final lap.
As they entered the back straight, Mu increased her tempo, but Moraa clung on and pulled alongside as they rounded the bend. Mu still held the lead, but with 30 meters to go, Moraa surged ahead on the outside, leaving Mu and Hodgkinson chasing.
Hodgkinson made a late push down the inside, overtaking Mu, but the finish line came too soon for her to challenge Moraa’s lead.
Moraa, who had also won a gold medal in the Commonwealth Games last year, celebrated her victory by lying on the track momentarily before rising to her feet and dancing in jubilation. Her fellow Kenyan teammates on the training track joined in the celebration.
