Obiri aims for marathon gold at Paris Games

PARIS: Kenyan runner Hellen Obiri, renowned for her success on the track, is determined to elevate her performance from silver to gold in the marathon at the Paris Olympics. After securing two second-place finishes in the 5,000 meters in previous Olympic Games, Obiri is now setting her sights on the marathon event.

Obiri’s track record is impressive, with two world championship titles in the 5,000 meters. Transitioning to marathon running in 2022, she quickly showcased her endurance capabilities, winning the Boston Marathon twice and the New York City Marathon once.

“I know Paris will be a tough course, but winning those two marathons gives me a lot of hope, confidence, and excitement,” the 34-year-old athlete told Reuters.

However, Obiri will face formidable competitors in Paris, including defending champion Peres Jepchirchir. Jepchirchir made history by winning the New York City Marathon just weeks after clinching gold in Tokyo and has also claimed victories in London and Boston.(Reuters)