In a heartwarming turn of events, Mary Moraa, the new 800m world champion, was greeted with a delightful surprise upon her return to Kenya on September 20th.
Her boyfriend and fellow athlete, Richard Lagat, popped the question at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and the world watched as she joyfully accepted.
Mary Moraa had recently made headlines with her impressive performance in the United States as part of the Kenyan team competing in the World Championship and the Diamond League Finale.
A Surprise Proposal at the Airport
After clinching the 800m world title in August, Moraa secured a respectable fourth-place finish in Eugene, Oregon. Her journey in the U.S. culminated at the Diamond League on September 18, and she returned to her homeland with her teammates on that memorable Wednesday when the proposal took place.
With the utmost secrecy, Richard Lagat managed to make it to the airport, concealing himself among the welcoming party. As Mary Moraa disembarked from the plane, Lagat knelt down, holding a sign that read, “Will You Mary Me?”
The realization dawned on Mary Moraa, leaving her in shocked disbelief, while the crowd erupted in excitement, bearing witness to this heartwarming moment. As her boyfriend extended the proposal along with a ring, the athlete couldn’t contain her happiness and responded with a resounding “Yes.”
In the aftermath of the engagement, Mary Moraa shared her feelings with the press, stating, “Words can’t capture the emotions I’m experiencing right now.
It’s a magical evening. To those who may have had their eyes on me, let them know that chapter is now closed. This was an enormous surprise…I thought it was just the customary welcome ceremony, only to find him on one knee proposing.”
The couple’s love story began in 2021 at the National Police Service pass-out ceremony in Embakasi, where they met for the first time. It was truly a case of love at first sight, and they’ve been inseparable ever since.
