- Both will double for Kenya in the 400m and 800m at the World Champs
- Several other Kenyans will also compete in Stockholm
- This will be the last Diamond League race before the Worlds
Kenya’s representatives in the 400m and the 800m at the World Championships Mary Moraa and Emmanuel Korir will shape up for Oregon with the Stockholm leg of the Diamond League on Thursday.
While Moraa will do both races at the World Champs and the Commonwealth Games, Korir will do the 400m at both events while only competing in the 800m at the Worlds and not in Birmingham.
The two will be looking to sharpen their power and pace, with just two weeks left before competition.
“I want to focus a bit more on improving my speed especially in the 800m. This is something that has been lacking in my last few races and if I get it right then I am confident I will greatly improve. For the 400m, I want to do better in the start off the blocks. I have been reacting late after the gun and hopefully I get this perfect,” said Korir, who is based in the United States.
Make amends
Emmanuel Korir during the national trials
The Olympic champion wants to do things right at the World Championships especially after failing to make it to the final in Doha 2019.
“I want to win a World title now having won the Olympic Games and it would be great if I do it in both events. I am ready for it and I will prepare very well,” he added.
In Stockholm, there will be two other Kenyans in the 800m roster, with Collins Kipruto and Ferguson Rotich also joining in. Both did not make it off Team Kenya’s trials last weekend.
Meanwhile, Moraa who reached the semis at the Olympic Games is also looking for a perfect bounce in Stockholm to be able to be in the best shape for the Worlds.
Over the weekend during the national trials, she ran Personal bests in both the 400m and 800m, including setting a new 400m national record.
“I feel very strong now because my training has been great and I have managed to improve my times. Now the focus is on doing the polishing in my running and focusing on the two competitions that are ahead of me,” said the World Under-18 silver medalist.
Eyes on revenge
Mary Moraa celebrates after winning at the National Trials
In Stockholm, she will be up against South African Prudence Sekgodiso who beat her at the Kip Keino Classic last month as well as Ugandan Halima Nakaayi, who is the reigning World Champion.
Meanwhile, Cornelius Kemboi, who has been included in the 5,000m Kenyan team for the Commonwealth Games will also warm up in Stockholm as he has been listed for the men’s 3,000m.
Kemboi who finished third at the Kenyan trials behind Jacob Krop and Nicholas Kimeli will team up with Boaz Kiprugut in a tough field that has Ugandan Jacob Kiplimo as the biggest threat.
In the women’s steeplechase, Rosefiline Chepngetich, Fancy Cherono and Virginia Nyambura will represent the country in a relatively easy field that is devoid most of the global stars.
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