Why Hellen Obiri is confident of dominating marathon at Paris 2024 Olympics

Why Hellen Obiri is confident of dominating marathon at Paris 2024 Olympics

Abigael Wafula 16:06 - 26.07.2024

Hellen Obiri is confident of finally delivering gold in the Olympic marathon after falling short back during her track days.

Two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri believes it is her time to shine when she descends in Paris for the Olympic marathon.

Obiri will be in the hunt for her first ever Olympic gold medal after attempting to win one on the track but her efforts proved futile. She has won the Olympic silver medal twice, in the 5000m at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games and the delayed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games.

The two-time world 5000m champion is aware of the toughness of the course but is ready for the task, insisting that the marathon is her chance to do well on the Olympic stage.

"I know Paris, it will be a tough course but winning those two marathons, it gives me a lot of hope, a lot of confidence, and a lot of excitement," the world 10,000m silver medallist told Reuters.

"I'm so happy to go to Paris as a marathoner... I do believe the marathon is my best event in the Olympics. I do believe I will do much better than the other events I've been doing," she said.

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The 34-year-old is also encouraged by the young generation of athletes who are steadily making their way to the top.

"It's most encouraging to young generations, to young people in sports. Where you come from - it doesn't matter," she added.

Meanwhile, Obiri made her full marathon debut at the 2022 New York City Marathon where she finished sixth before having a glamorous 2023 season. She made her Boston Marathon debut, winning in great fashion before successfully defending her title at the New York City Marathon later last year.

Making a return to Boston earlier this year, Obiri was no fluke as she successfully defended her title. Her performance in the streets of Boston was one of the reasons she was considered in Kenya’s marathon team to the Olympic Games.

She will be joined by defending champion Peres Jepchirchir and 2022 New York City Marathon champion Sharon Lokedi in her quest for Olympic glory.