Former world 800m champion Mary Moraa is back on track after an injury-enforced break, with the Kenyan star drawing inspiration from her comeback as she sets her sights on the next World Athletics Championships in Beijing.
The return of one of Kenya’s biggest athletics stars comes as Sports Direct, the international sports retailer, opens its first African store in Nairobi, marking the start of an exciting new chapter for the brand and bringing Kenyan consumers a wider choice of world-class sportswear and equipment.
Moraa, who has spent the past year away from competition recovering from injury, says she is excited to return to the sport she loves and begin the journey towards another major global campaign.
“I’m very happy to be back. I have missed competing, I have missed the atmosphere and, most importantly, I have missed representing Kenya,” Moraa said.
“The journey back has not been easy, but it has made me appreciate the sport even more. I have learnt to be patient, to trust the process and to keep working even when nobody is watching.”
The 800m star has gradually increased her training in recent months as she rebuilds her strength, fitness and confidence, with her immediate priority being a return to competition before setting her sights firmly on Beijing.
“My focus now is to get back to competition, take things step by step and build towards the World Championships,” she said. “I want to give myself the best preparation possible and be ready when the big moment comes.”
Moraa’s comeback is also about rediscovering the joy of competing.
“For me, sport is not only about winning. It is about showing up, pushing yourself and getting back up when things don’t go your way,” she said.
“Being injured and away from competition has taught me a lot. I believe I can come back stronger, both physically and mentally.”
Her partnership with Sports Direct reflects a shared belief in the power of sport to inspire people at every level, from aspiring athletes taking their first steps to elite competitors preparing for the world stage.
“Kenya is a nation that loves sport. We run, we play football, rugby, basketball, volleyball, we cycle, we go to the gym – and of course, athletics is very close to our hearts,” Moraa said.
“Every great athlete starts somewhere. Sometimes it starts with something very simple – a pair of running shoes, a football, a jersey, a local field… and a dream.”
The new Sports Direct store brings together leading international sports brands including Nike, adidas, PUMA, Under Armour, New Balance, ASICS and Everlast, offering Kenyan consumers greater choice in sportswear and equipment.
For Moraa, the arrival of Sports Direct is an opportunity to encourage more young people to discover sport and pursue their ambitions.
“Who knows? Maybe one of the young people who walks in here will find the equipment they need, start training and one day become Kenya’s next world champion,” she said. “You never know where the next great athlete is going to come from.”
Hudson Group, which has partnered with Frasers Group to bring Sports Direct to Kenya, described the Nairobi launch as a significant milestone and the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the brand across Africa.
“The opening of the first Sports Direct store in Africa is a significant milestone for Hudson Group and an important moment in our partnership with Frasers Group,” Hudson Group said.
“We are proud to bring to the Kenyan consumer a large-format, dedicated sports retail experience that combines leading sports brands with more accessible, affordable sports brands.”
As Moraa begins the next phase of her comeback, her focus is firmly on rebuilding and preparing for the challenges ahead.
“Beijing is a big goal,” she said.
“But first I want to enjoy being back on the track, get back into competitive shape and take the journey one race at a time.”
After a year away, the message from the Kenyan star is simple: she is ready to run again.
“I am ready to compete again. I’m ready to represent Kenya and I’m ready to see what the future holds.”
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