Lilian Odira Reflects on Hard Work Behind Historic 800m World Title After Maternity Leave

Lilian Odira credited hard work, resilience, and support from Hellen Obiri, Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon for her remarkable 800m world title triumph after returning from maternity leave.

Lilian Odira was inarguably one of the standout athletes at the just-concluded World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.

Competing in the women’s 800m final, Lilian Odira was in a class of her own as she obliterated a strong field to clock a time of 1:54.62, breaking the 42-year-old mark of 1:54.68 set by Czech athlete Jarmila Kratochvilova in 1983.

The Great Britain duo of Georgia Hunter Bell and reigning Olympic 800m champion Keely Hodgkinson finished second and third in times of 1:54.90 and 1:54.91.

Lilian Odira was in great shape throughout her campaign, winning her heat and semifinal before setting up a perfect stage for the final.

After giving birth to two sons, Lilian Odira has blossomed late in her career, shaving nearly four seconds off her time since falling short in the semi-finals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games just over a year ago.

Lilian Odira was elated by the warm welcome she received at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, revealing that their hard work had finally paid off well.

The 800m national champion further pointed out that there was a lot to work on with her coach to get to that level, especially after being out for some years.

“It’s a great honour to be a world champion and I’m grateful. I feel like you guys love us, we’ve brought the glory home, and the reception is good,” Lilian Odira said.

“I went to the championship with a mind of maybe getting to the final and, if possible, winning any medal, but it was a big surprise.

“I think this is because of the hard work that I have been doing. Behind the scenes, there has been a lot of work with my coach, so I think I deserve it.”

Lilian Odira revealed that having strong women like two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri, world 5000m and 10,000m record holder Beatrice Chebet and triple Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon close to her made the difference.

She explained that their words have been a game-changer in her life, noting that she will forever look up to them to make more impact in the sport.

“She (Hellen Obiri) is among the great women that I know in this sport, and the advice that I’ve been getting from her, including Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon, has helped me become a better athlete. I have improved and growing up, I wanted to be like them, and I think I’m on the right track,” Lilian Odira.

From being out for close to five years to coming back and winning a world title, Lilian Odira has proven that motherhood is not a barrier to making history, joining the likes of Faith Kipyegon and Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.