'Will you marry me?' Olympian Mary Moraa surprised with marriage proposal at JKIA

Richard Lagat, her fiancée and former volleyball player-turned coach went down on one knee and proposed to Moraa, who sealed their love story with a resounding "yes."

"Nothing can express what I am feeling now. It's a wonderful night. Let those who had hopes know that the chapter is closed,” she said as quoted by the Nation.

Moraa, who had recently secured fourth place in the 800m race at the Prefontaine Classic after she fell ill upon her arrival in the States, narrowly missed out on gold and was looking forward to a well-deserved rest back home. 

Little did she know that her return would mark a significant milestone in her life.

As the other passengers disembarked from the plane, the Kenyan athletes were asked to remain behind, setting the stage for Richard Lagat's heartwarming proposal. 

Holding a placard that read, ‘Will You Marry Me?’ Lagat made his proposal.

"I met Moraa in 2021 during the National Police Service passing-out parade in Embakasi. It was love at first sight. I am happy she said yes! She is an amazing girl, easy to be around with, cheerful, humorous, and a good dancer,” Lagat said after she acceded to his marriage offer.

Among the witnesses to this joyous occasion were fellow athletes who had travelled with Moraa from the 2023 Diamond League Final, the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, USA, over the weekend.