The World 10,000m silver medallist Hellen Obiri is set to lead a formidable group of elite athletes at the upcoming Kenya Defence Forces Athletics Championship.
The two-time world 5,000m champion recently returned to Kenya from her training base in Colorado, USA, where she resides with her family.
Obiri’s exceptional performances in recent races, including victories in the Boston Marathon and Great Manchester Run, have boosted her confidence heading into the championship.
While she has yet to decide whether she will compete in the 5,000m or 10,000m, the 33-year-old sergeant aims to replicate her previous successes, having already secured four 5,000m titles.
“I have returned home to participate in a few local events. I am likely to go for my fifth 5,000m title at the KDF meet, but I am undecided about competing in the 10,000m,” Obiri stated upon her arrival.
The KDF event will serve as a platform for Obiri to assess her speed and prepare for future competitions. Following her triumph in the Great Manchester Run 10km, where she defended her title in 31:14, she intends to utilize the 10,000m race to gauge her speed after her recent participation in the marathon.
“I find it beneficial to occasionally test my speed by running the 10k race after taking part in a marathon. I have been doing just that,” Obiri explained. “Since January, my physical condition has been excellent, and I have emerged victorious in every race I have entered. I plan to maintain this form for the rest of the season by focusing and training hard.”
Regarding the upcoming World Championship in Budapest, Hungary, Obiri ruled out the possibility of competing in the marathon event due to lack of experience, having only participated in two marathons.
However, she remains determined to give her all and pursue a gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, considering it her final opportunity before retirement.
“Naturally, I aspire to proudly raise the national flag at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. It will be my first and last chance to win an Olympic gold medal before retiring. Despite not having won a gold medal at the Olympics yet, I am fully committed to achieving that in Paris,” Obiri emphasized.
Obiri dismissed claims that she has permanently relocated to the US, clarifying that she trains there solely because her family resides there.
She highlighted the advantages of training in close proximity to family, providing more focused and dedicated training time. Additionally, training in the US offers greater exposure through the presence of her coach, management, and support system, thus increasing her chances of success.
