The Lioness running a ‘safe place’ for Kenya’s young female athletes

Mary describes the murder of her former team-mate, Agnes Tirop, as the “final straw” which forced her to take action to fight back against the way some female athletes are treated.

Tirop, a 10,000m bronze medallist at successive World Championships, was stabbed to death in her own home in October 2021.

Her husband has been charged and is awaiting trial.

“It was really sad,” says Mary when discussing Tirop’s death.

“I was like, we don’t have to wait for someone else to go through a tragedy to take the next step.”

Tirop is not the only female athlete to be a victim of violence. Six months later, another runner, Damaris Muthee Mutua, was also killed, with both cases reigniting the debate about gender-based violence in athletics.

“It was one of the biggest reasons for me to start, because before it was just a dream,” confirms Mary.

Ultimately, the hope is that Nala will boost the safe participation of women in all facets of athletics, increasing representation when it comes to things like coaches and agents.

“I would like in 10 years to see more camps like this.

“If other people can come up and start one or two, that’s my dream come true.”

For now, Mary is taking pride in Nala’s current set of young lionesses.

“When I see how happy they are, the smiles on their faces, them treating me like a big sister – it’s an amazing experience.”