Former world 800m champion Mary Moraa has declared herself ready to return to competition after a year-long injury layoff, with the 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing firmly in her sights. Her comeback announcement came as Sports Direct, the UK-based international sports retailer, opened its first African store at Nairobi’s Sarit Centre, marking a major milestone for both the brand and Kenyan athletes.
Moraa’s road back from injury
Moraa missed most of the 2026 season after falling ill following the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, then spending months in treatment before being cleared to resume full training around June 2026. Since then, she has been gradually rebuilding her strength, fitness and race sharpness, prioritising a step‑by‑step return to competition before peaking for Beijing.
“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 at the Sports Direct launch. She added that the injury-enforced break taught her patience and mental resilience: “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”
While Beijing is her long‑term target, Moraa insists her immediate focus is simply to race again and rediscover her competitive rhythm. “My focus now is to get back to competition, take things step by step and build towards the World Championships… Beijing is a big goal, 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,” she said.
Partnership with Sports Direct
Alongside her athletic comeback, Moraa has partnered with Sports Direct, which has just opened its first store in Africa at Sarit Centre, Westlands, Nairobi. The outlet stocks major global brands including Nike, adidas, PUMA, Under Armour, New Balance, ASICS and Everlast, giving Kenyan consumers wider access to quality sportswear and equipment.
Moraa described the arrival of Sports Direct as a boost for athletes at all levels, from school runners to elite competitors. “Kenya is a nation that loves sport… 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,” she said. She added that the store could help uncover the next generation of champions: “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”
Hudson Group, which partnered with Frasers Group to bring Sports Direct to Kenya, called the Nairobi launch “a significant milestone” and the start of an exciting new chapter for the brand across Africa. Further outlets are planned, including a Galleria location before potential expansion into Nigeria and Morocco.
What’s next for Moraa?
Moraa’s short‑term plan is to re‑enter domestic and regional meets, rebuild race fitness and confidence, then progressively target international competitions leading into 2027. The 2027 World Athletics Championships in Beijing are now scheduled for 10–19 September 2027, giving her a clear timeline to structure her comeback.
For now, her message is simple: she is healthy, training well and eager to represent Kenya again. “I’m ready to compete again. I’m ready to represent Kenya, and I’m ready to see what the future holds,” Moraa said
