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'Women are valued'- Hellen Obiri shares why she prefers staying in the US rather than Kenya

Hellen Obiri is loving it in the US so far as she revealed some of the good things she has experienced that would never have happened to her if she chose to stay in Kenya.

Hellen Obiri has opened up about how her life has changed since she relocated to the US in 2022 with her husband, Tom Nyaundi, and their daughter, Tania.

The two-time Olympic 5000m silver medalist revealed that she has found many opportunities that would never have happened to her if she was still staying in Kenya. Obiri disclosed that in the US, women are valued highly unlike where she grew up, Kenya.

Hellen Obiri lamented that in her village, men are always given a platform but women are advised to stay at home and be humble, a way to protect them but instead, that kills the potential and dreams of many women.

She revealed that relocating has opened her eyes and she now believes that women can do anything and gender does not play any role in what women can do better. She urged women to come through and support each other since that is the only way they are able to grow.

“They say that in life, opportunities knock at your door only once. Had I stayed in Kenya, I could have been in a rural community, even running, but the spotlight is always on men. In the United States, however, women are valued,” Hellen Obiri said as per Foot Boom.

“My mindset expanded greatly while living in the U.S. You feel appreciated and strive to work harder and to grow. Women need to support more women. Today, I feel truly honored.”

She also touched on how signing with On running has been life-changing for her as she looks to make a mark in the world of marathon running. She has been impressive since her debut at the 2022 New York City Marathon where she finished sixth.

Hellen Obiri then proceeded to win the Boston Marathon in 2023 and capped off her season with a win at the New York City Marathon. She opened her 2024 season with a win in the Boston Marathon before claiming the bronze medal in the Olympic marathon. She ended her season with a second-place finish at the New York City Marathon.

“It was shortly after Tokyo. Having the chance to work for a major company is a privilege, a real opportunity for me. I've been wearing running shoes for over ten years, and there’s always a better shoe, a better technology available. How can I help improve these shoes? I ran those marathons as if I were wearing spikes on the track,” Hellen Obiri said.

“It’s incredible because I trust On and believe in the brand's shoes. I won two times in Boston and once in New York, and the Olympic marathon medal while wearing the On Cloudboom Echo. It’s amazing, it’s comfortable and doesn’t cause injuries or discomfort.”