Kenya’s Lilian Odira has captured the attention of the athletics world after securing a gold medal in the women’s 800m at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, where she also set a new championship record. The victory, which came on September 23, 2025, marked a breakthrough in Odira’s career, bringing her global recognition and reaffirming the depth of Kenya’s talent in middle-distance running.
Upon her arrival in Nairobi, Odira was celebrated by fellow officers from the Kenya Prisons Service, where she is employed. Reflecting on her achievement, Odira credited her unwavering discipline and preparation for the success. “I knew I had prepared well. I took every round seriously and trusted the process,” she said. Her triumph was a culmination of years of hard work, during which she leaned on advice from fellow athletes, including the celebrated javelin thrower Julius Yego. Yego had been a source of encouragement throughout her Tokyo training, telling Odira, “You’ll get this medal,” a message that stayed with her and helped fuel her determination.
Odira’s coach, Jacinta Muraguri, who has been working with the athlete since 2016, spoke about the challenging journey that led to this monumental achievement. From the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic to the tough rebuilding phase afterward, Muraguri emphasized the importance of resilience and confidence-building. “After the World Championships in Tokyo, we knew we were on the right track. The next goal is the Commonwealth Games — another gold,” Muraguri remarked.
Looking ahead, Odira has set her sights on the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where she hopes to defend her gold medal and continue climbing the ranks in global athletics. “I’ll take time to strategize, but my goal remains the same — to stay on the podium and eventually conquer the ultimate championships,” she said.
Beyond the accolades, Odira also stressed the importance of discipline in athletics, particularly regarding doping. “Everything you take as an athlete matters. You must be careful to avoid contaminated substances,” she cautioned, underscoring the need for athletes to remain vigilant and responsible.
As a reward for her achievement, Odira received a KSh 3 million incentive from the government, which she described as “an inspiration and a sign that hard work pays off.” In addition to this, her World Athletics Championship gold will earn her an extra KSh 9 million, which she intends to share with her parents, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout her career.
Her story is one of dedication, perseverance, and a bright future ahead as she continues her rise on the world stage.
