LAUSANNE, Switzerland (June 30) – Mary Moraa of Kenya outsmarted her competitors to win the women’s 800m race with a season-best time of 1:57.43 at the 2023 Lausanne Wanda Diamond League, Switzerland, on Friday.
Moraa, the 2022 Commonwealth Games champion, tactfully controlled the tempo throughout the race, ensuring a steady pace that allowed her to outperform her rivals with her superior final kick. Read more: Best ways to watch 2023 Lausanne Diamond League?
Notably, among her challengers was Keely Hodgkinson of Great Britain, the Olympic and world silver medalist, who finished second with a time of 1:58.37. Natoya Goule of Jamaica claimed the third spot on the podium, crossing the finish line with a time of 1:58.90.
“It was a very challenging race and I felt completely empty at the end of it,” said Moraa in her post-race interview. “The weather was particularly difficult for me. My mentor would have been extremely proud of my achievements tonight.”
Executing a well-thought-out strategy, Moraa trailed the pacemaker in the early stages of the race.
However, she cleverly adjusted her pace during the first lap, slightly slowing down to dictate the tempo. This tactic presented a challenge for Hodgkinson and the other runners, who had to adjust their strides to maintain balance constantly.
As the race reached its final 100m, Moraa maintained her position, displaying exceptional finishing speed and leaving her competitors behind. Her time of 1:57.43 now ranks as the second-fastest in the world this year.
Hodgkinson, who currently holds the world-leading time of 1:55.77, put forth a strong effort, securing a respectable second place, with Goule also demonstrating her strength, claiming the third position on the podium.
“I wasn´t very happy about this race, I was in great shape, but I guess today was not my day. Mary was better,” Hodgkinson said. “My plans for the season will not change. I really liked being here, running in a full stadium with a great crowd.”
The remaining athletes in the top five included Australia’s Catriona Bisset, finishing fourth with a time of 1:58.95, and Britain’s Jemma Reekie, rounding in fifth place with a time of 1:59.32.
Additionally, the event showcased the participation of Swiss athletes Audrey Werro and Lore Hoffmann, who finished sixth and seventh, respectively. Werro completed the race with a time of 1:59.71, while Hoffmann achieved a season-best time of 2:00.49.
The women’s 800m world record, an astounding 1:53.28, was set by Jarmila Kratochvílová of Czechoslovakia in 1983. The Diamond League record currently stands at 1:54.25, achieved by Caster Semenya of South Africa in 2018.
800m Women’s Race at the Wanda Diamond League in Lausanne:
- Mary Moraa (KEN) – 1:57.43 (Season’s Best)
- Keely Hodgkinson (GBR) – 1:58.37
- Natoya Goule (JAM) – 1:58.90
- Catriona Bisset (AUS) – 1:58.95
- Jemma Reekie (GBR) – 1:59.32
- Audrey Werro (SUI) – 1:59.71
- Lore Hoffmann (SUI) – 2:00.49 (Season’s Best)
- Elena Bellò (ITA) – 2:00.76
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Noélie Yarigo (BEN) – 2:04.93
—Patrycja Wyciszkiewicz-Zawadzka (POL) – Did Not Finish (PACER)
