Athlete Profile: Maranga Mokaya

Name

Maranga Mokaya

Course and Year of Study:

DPhil in Statisitics (SABS:R3) , 3rd

College:

Keble

Sport:

Athletics (in previous years Hockey too)

Club:

Oxford University Athletics Club

Highest Competition Level:

National

Best Achievement:

4th at 2022 British Athletics Championships (400m Hurdles)

Short Term Aspirations:

Break 50-second barrier for 400m Hurdles

Long Term Aspirations:

Represent GB

How did you get into the sport?

I was always the fast kid at primary school and one of my friends (admittedly faster than me at the time) suggested I join his athletics club. I already loved watching athletics so it was an easy choice. I’ve been running since.

How has the Blues Performance Scheme helped you?

Training is hard (especially as athletics is a summer sport with little competition at other times of the year). BPS has helped me stay on top of my training and the coaches are great at making sure I’m making the most of offseason, whether that’s in the gym, kitchen or mentally.

What is your advice on balancing sport and academia?

Time-management is key, set out your non-negotiable commitments then fit everything else around those. Be sure to leave time to relax and (as much as it’s sometimes hard to admit) you can’t do everything but that’s okay.