Hellen Obiri to approach Olympic marathon with 'caution' as she chases her first gold medal

Hellen Obiri is aware of the tough competition awaiting her at the Olympics as she seeks to take a different approach to the race with her main goal being to claim a gold medal.

Two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri will be taking a different approach in the Paris Olympic Games as she competes in the marathon.

Obiri was selected in the team alongside defending champion Peres Jepchirchir and Sharon Lokedi and has admitted that triumphing over her compatriots will be a tough ordeal.

Speaking to Nation Sport, the reigning New York City Marathon champion insisted that she knows every competitor has trained well and prays for good health and fitness as she eyes her first Olympic gold medal.

She is now on her final stages of training and so far, things are looking up for the two-time Olympic 5000m silver medallist.

“I’m delighted that I’m heading to the Olympics for the fourth time. I want to achieve what I have been dreaming, which is a gold medal, and as I finalise my training, I pray I remain healthy and injury free,” Obiri said.

“The Kenyan team is strong. I will be approaching the race with caution because everybody has trained hard and wants to win.”

Obiri made her full marathon debut at the New York City Marathon where she faded to finish sixth in the tight race. However, that did not stop her from pursuing her marathon dream as she proceeded to the Boston Marathon last year.

She was no fluke as she claimed top honours in the race before winning the 2023 New York City Marathon. The two-time world 5000m champion successfully defended her title at this Boston Marathon.

She has since been selected to represent Kenya at the Olympic Games and will be looking to add the only medal missing in her trophy laden cabinet, an Olympic gold medal.

The former world 10,000m silver medallist has been consistent in the marathon and she will certainly be a favourite as the athletes line up for the marathon.

posted Saturday July 20th
by Abigael Wafula