Two time world champion Hellen Obiri announced on Sunday July 17 that she will make her marathon debut in October 2022.
The 32-year-old runner will ditch track events after the 2022 World Athletics Championships that is currently taking place in Oregon, United States.
Speaking after the final of the 10,000m race, Obiri stated that her focus now shifts to marathon.
Also Read: Uganda's 10,000m Domination Continues as Cheptegei, Kiplimo Bag Gold and Bronze
“I had no pressure coming into this race so I am happy with my silver and make my people happy. I can’t say what is going to happen a year from now (2023 World Championship). I will now focus on my marathon debut in October,” Obiri was quoted by Capital Sports.
Obiri also disclosed that she will not defend her 5,000m world title on Saturday July 23 due to fatigue.
“I have been running the 10k and half marathon so I had lost a bit of speed to defend my 5000m title. I want to leave it to the younger athletes. I have been running track for 12 years,” revealed Obiri.
With Obiri ruling out herself, Kenya will be banking on the 2019 World Under 20 Cross Country champion Beatrice Chebet, Gloria Kite and Margaret Chelimo to bring the 5,000m gold medal back home.
Also Read: Ethiopia’s Tamirat Tola Stuns Kamworor to Win World Championships
Obiri won Kenya’s first medal at the Championships on Saturday when she produced a sensational performance in the 10,000m women’s race to finish second behind Ethiopia’s world record holder Letesenbet Gidey.
The Kenya Defense Forces runner who finished ahead of compatriot Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi clocked a personal best time of 30:10.2.
Obiri has had an amazing track career since making her international debut during the 2011 Military World Games staged in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The Ngong-based athlete won a 800m bronze medal and registered a fourth place finish at that games.
Kenya has produced many athletes, but none of them has been as all rounded as Obiri. She is among the few East African runners who have competed in 800m, 3,000m, 1,500m, 5,000m, 10,000m and World Cross Country Championships. She was also part of Kenya’s 4 x 1,500m relay team that won gold at the 2014 World Relays staged in Nassau, Bahamas.
Obiri is a 5,000m double world champion having clinched consecutive gold medals at the 2017 London and 2019 Doha editions. She has also boasts of two silver medals at Olympic games, with the latest coming during the delayed 2020 Tokyo games.
Also Read: Drama as Ethiopia’s Gidey Spoils Party For Obiri