Why trailblazing Emmaculate Anyango looks up to Hellen Obiri

World Athletics

ATHLETICS Why trailblazing Emmaculate Anyango looks up to Hellen Obiri

Abigael Wafula 13:08 - 09.02.2024

Emmaculate Anyango, the second fastest woman over the 10km, has opened up on why she looks up to Hellen Obiri.

Newly-crowned Sirikwa Classic Cross-country champion Emmaculate Anyango is keenly following in the footsteps of reigning Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri.

Anyango disclosed that growing up, she always looked up to Obiri who is also the reigning New York City Marathon champion.

She noted that Obiri always gives her the morale to keep going and work hard to achieve her goals.

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“Hellen Obiri is my mentor and she gives me the morale that I can do it. Many times, I used to be there watching her steps and I used to work hard in order to be like her.

“I want to work hard now in training and see what next because I need to be somewhere better,” Anyango said in an interview.

The 23-year-old added that she is currently sharpening her talons as she awaits the World Cross-country Championships to win a medal.

However, the Kericho-based athlete has not had smooth sailing in her journey since she started training when she was in primary school. 

Anyango then made the cut to the senior team for a championship but was not eligible to compete since she was underage.

“I went back home and during that period, I went through a lot before I met my coach, Ken who encouraged me and told me not to lose hope.

“Then the pandemic came and I went back home then my coach came back and took me and I started training again in Iten.

“It has not been an easy journey but I’m grateful for the far I have come. People had a lot to say and I almost gave up,” Anyango said.

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