Kenyan middle-distance runner Mary Moraa delivered a stellar performance at the ISTAF in Berlin, breaking the world record in the 600 meters. Competing in front of 40,500 spectators at the Olympic Stadium on Sunday, Moraa clocked a stunning time of 1:21.63, surpassing the previous best by 14 hundredths of a second.
Moraa, who is the reigning 800m world champion and an Olympic bronze medallist, demonstrated her elite form with a perfectly executed finish on Berlin’s iconic blue track. Her record-setting run shattered the mark set seven years ago by South Africa’s Caster Semenya, who had held the previous record of 1:21.77. “I’m incredibly happy,” Moraa said after her historic race. “To break this record on my first attempt feels overwhelming. I’m so pleased with how I ran today.”
Hailing from Obwari, Kenya, Moraa has been rising steadily in the world of athletics. After winning bronze at the 2022 World Championships in Eugene, she secured the world title in Budapest in 2023. In Berlin, she left her competitors trailing, with Shafiqua Maloney of Saint Vincent finishing in 1:22.98, and Germany’s Alica Schmidt coming in at 1:24.88.
Moraa’s achievement was one of many highlights at the ISTAF. German javelin thrower Julian Weber, who won silver at the European Championships, electrified the home crowd with a throw of 88.64 meters. “It was an amazing experience, just as I had hoped,” Weber commented. “The crowd’s energy was incredible, and I had so much fun. This series of throws was beyond belief.”
In the pole vault, American athlete Sam Kendricks made history by clearing 6.01 meters on his first attempt, marking the first six-meter jump at the ISTAF in 25 years. Meanwhile, Leo Neugebauer of VfB Stuttgart triumphed in the inaugural ISTAF triathlon. The Olympic decathlon silver medallist established a significant lead after strong performances in the 100 meters and discus, and he maintained it in the 1,500 meters, his least favorite event. “This was my first competition at the Olympic Stadium, and I can’t wait to return. It was an incredible debut for me,” Neugebauer said, expressing his gratitude to the fans for creating such a vibrant atmosphere.
The day concluded with a thrilling 100 meters final, where SCC Berlin sprinter Gina Lückenkemper delivered her career’s fastest race. The 27-year-old improved her personal best, set seven years ago, by two hundredths of a second, finishing in 10.93 seconds with a slight tailwind. “This stadium and this crowd give me so much strength,” Lückenkemper said after the race. “I’ve been saying for a while that I’m on the verge of something great, and today I proved it.”
The ISTAF crowd also cheered for Olympic shot put champion Yemisi Ogunleye, who secured second place with a throw of 18.65 meters, just behind Jessica Schilder of the Netherlands. “I enjoyed competing today,” Ogunleye said. “Second place is acceptable, but I just couldn’t throw any further.”
Berlin’s Olympic Stadium witnessed a day of extraordinary athletic achievements, with Mary Moraa’s world record leading the charge in a series of memorable performances.
