Morara hoping to emulate example of mentor Moraa

Amos Abuga @Amokc1001

Sprinter  Loice Morara is keen to follow in the footsteps of Mary Moraa during the World Under-20 Championships due next month at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani.

Morara, popularly known as ‘Mzungu’ because of her light complexion,  was one of the athletes who dazzled during the three-day national trials that ended on Saturday at the Kasarani Stadium.

The upcoming sprinter wants to launch her international career after sealing her place in Team Kenya for the World Under-20 Championships in her speciality event 200m.

“I had trained for the event and  so the results are not a surprise to me,” said the sprinter.

“The objective was to perform well and make the team, because I didn’t want to let our coaches down.

I want to emulate Moraa who has qualified for the 2020 Olympics. Her rise from the junior level is admired by many,” she added.

She says training in Nairobi recently has helped her as she strives to become a top sprinter in both 200m and 400m.

“There are better facilities in Nairobi compared to other regions. With the guidance of my coach, I will be able to work hard and  improve my performance,” she added 

The sprinter is one of the four athletes from Nyanza South region who were named in the national team for the global event set for August 17-22 at Kasarani Stadium.

Race walker Margaret Gati, Linda Kageha in discus and  Elkanah Kiprotich who won the men’s 400m are the athletes from the region who made the team.

Nyanza South team manager Haron Onchong’a was happy with the performance despite initially targeting to enter at least 10 athletes in Team Kenya for the junior event.

“As a region we mostly focus on sprints and field events. I want to wish Team Kenya success in the global event,” he said.