Two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri recently revealed the reasoning behind her decision to leave Kenya and settle in the United States.
Obiri, one of Kenya’s brightest female stars in athletics, has been thriving in the US since relocating in 2022 to reinvent herself and pursue her marathon dreams.
The move came just before her marathon debut in New York that year, a race in which she finished sixth. Nevertheless, that race laid the foundation for what would become an extraordinary shift in her career.
In a recent interview, Obiri shared that relocating to a developed country opened her eyes to endless possibilities, particularly as a woman.
Hellen Obiri after winning the NYC Marathon.
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Obiri says that in the US, opportunities are fairly equal for both men and women, and they both have equal chances of succeeding as athletes on the track.
“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,” she observed.
Adding: “In the United States, however, women are valued. 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 honoured.”
Interestingly, her sentiments have proven true, judging by her performances following her disappointment in the New York City Marathon.
Despite being in the twilight of her career, the 34-year-old went on to win the Boston Marathon in 2023 and concluded her season with a victory at the New York City Marathon in an extraordinary story of redemption.
In the 2024 season, she began with a win in the Boston Marathon before securing the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.
She then capped off an impressive season with a second-place finish at the New York City Marathon, which has become her fortress.
Obiri’s revelation on why she moved to the US comes at a time when the country is grappling with fears of the safety of female athletes. This is after a worrying trend was uncovered in Iten, involving individuals who actively seek out athletes with potential.
Sheila Chepkirui wins the New York City Marathon.
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