Lilian Odira has shared her emotional journey of winning the World 800m title in Tokyo, Japan, especially her experience of racing against her close friend and mentor, Mary Moraa. The victory came as a surprise to many, as Odira entered the race as an underdog, facing strong competitors like Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson and defending champion Mary Moraa. However, she stunned the world by setting a new personal best of 1:54.62, breaking a 42-year-old record previously held by Czech legend Jarmila Kratochvilova.
The race was intense, with Odira surging ahead in the final lap to claim victory, leaving Georgia Hunter Bell of Great Britain and Keely Hodgkinson to settle for silver and bronze. Mary Moraa, who was a favorite to win after leading in the first lap, finished in seventh place. Despite the outcome, Odira expressed deep appreciation for her friendship with Moraa, describing her as one of her closest friends.
Before the race, the two had shared a room, and Moraa had encouraged Odira and her fellow athlete, Sarah Moraa, to focus on their race rather than worry about her performance. Odira recalled how her friend reminded them to race without regrets and to give their all. “Mary was my roommate, and she advised that we don’t go back to the room with regrets,” Odira said, reflecting on their pre-race conversation.
Beyond the competition, Odira spoke about the unity and camaraderie that defines Kenya’s women’s athletics. The 2023 World Championships were a testament to this team spirit, with Kenya’s women dominating the event. From Odira’s gold in the 800m to Faith Kipyegon’s victories in the 1500m, the Kenyan women swept the gold medals in both the 800m and marathon, with multiple athletes bringing home medals in other events.
For Odira, it’s not just about individual success, but the support and love among athletes that fuels their achievements. She emphasized that even though she became world champion, there is no rivalry or jealousy between her and her fellow athletes. “If I go to a race with Mary and she wins, I won’t envy her because that is her hard work,” Odira said, highlighting the mutual respect and support that exists among them.
This spirit of unity and friendship continues to propel Kenya’s women athletes to greater heights, ensuring their continued success on the global stage. The future looks bright for Kenyan athletics, with Odira’s victory marking just the beginning of what promises to be a new era of domination in track and field.
