Mary Moraa has broken her silence after finishing 8th in the women's 800m in the first Grand Slam Track event in Jamaica.

Michael Johnson's Grand Slam Track debuted in Jamaica with several track events, including the 100m, 200m and the 800m.

After a decent 2024, Moraa was aiming for a positive start to the season but she was stunned by America's Nikki Hiltz and Diribe Welteji of Ethiopia, who specialises in the women's 1500m.

The Kenyan clocked a time of 2:00.97 to finish last in the race. Hiltz crossed the line first in 1:58.23, a world lead and a personal best, Welteji was second in 1:58.29, while Olympic silver medallist Jessica Hull was third.

Another Kenyan in the race Susan Lokayo Ejore was fifth in 1:59.26.

It was Moraa's first race of the season but will be looking to right the wrongs in women's 1500m on day two against the same competitors.

After the race, Moraa took to social media to share her thoughts on a poor start.

"Not the results I wanted in my first race-800m-at the Grand Slam Track but I live to fight another day, on to 1,500m tomorrow," she wrote on her Facebook page.

Winning the second race will be vital for Moraa who now has just one point. Even if she fails to win, the 1500m clash, she will pocket $12.500 (Ksh1.6 million).

Moraa is preparing to defend her title at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September.

@JordanGuenther:

"It’s not how you start the season but rather how you finish. It’s a starting point 🙏🏻 Looking forward to seeing you progress this season and have more iconic dances."

@LillianMutai:

"You are just my girl, the results doesn't change anything, you are my hero, despite how results turns out,there is always another time, keep doing your best girl."

@EvansMusili:

"Every day may not be moraa day. Tomorrow may be dancing day. Keep up the spirit."

@ClintonBaTeddy:

"We win together we loose together it's not time to blame anyone get rise we go for our result."

Founded by multiple-time Olympic champion Michael Johnson, Grand Slam Track is holding its inaugural event in Kingston, Jamaica.

It is a professional track league which will see 48 athletes compete in four three-day events starting from Kingston, Miami, Philadelphia and Los Angeles.

Winners at each meet will pocket $100,000, while eighth-placed athletes will get $10,000. It was seen as a competitor to the Diamond League which has been the leading event for track and field athletes.

Moraa, Emmanuel Wanyonyi, Agnes Ngetich, Ronald Kwemoi, Ejore, and Hellen Ekalale are the Kenyans who will take part.

earlier reported on how Mary Moraa overcame a difficult upbringing to become a top athlete.

She grew up in Kisii and lost her parents at two. Despite that, she persevered and became a top 800m star.

Source: TUKO.co.ke