REVEALED: Why Hellen Obiri Relocated To The US After New York Marathon
Hellen Obiri, a two-time Boston Marathon champion, recently disclosed the reasons for her decision to leave Kenya and settle in the United States.
Obiri, one of Kenya’s most prominent female athletes, has thrived in the United States since arriving in 2022 to reinvent herself and follow her marathon aspirations.
She's won world titles indoors, outdoors and on the cross-country course. But @hellen_obiri's debut marathon was a 26.2 mile journey into the unknown.
— On (@on_running) November 15, 2022
In this short film, we follow Hellen's story as she travels from Kenya to Colorado to the start line in NYC. pic.twitter.com/sryQwdbAMV
The change came shortly before her marathon debut in New York that year, where she finished sixth.
Nonetheless, that event paved the way for an extraordinary shift in her career.
In a recent interview, Obiri stated that moving to a developed country opened her eyes to new opportunities, especially as a woman.
According to Obiri, possibilities in the United States are pretty comparable for both men and women, and they have equal chances of success as track athletes.
Hellen Obiri won 2nd place Women’s NYC Marathon with a time of 2:24:49.
— Trung Phan (@TrungTPhan) November 3, 2024
She was wearing On LightSpray shoes. Inspired by a glue gun, the spray-on manufacturing technique finishes the upper of a running shoe in 3 minutes (vs. 3 hours by stitching method). pic.twitter.com/nx63n2Y6hM
“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 opinions have proven correct, as evidenced by her subsequent performances following her failure 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 finished the season with a triumph at the New York City Marathon in an incredible narrative of redemption.
ALSO READ:
- NOWHERE TO BE SEEN! Gachagua Dodges Police Arrest
- Atwoli Wants Employment Agency Abolished Amid Claims of ‘Modern Slavery’
- Sonko Speaks Up On Pastor Ng’ang’a’s Ksh10 Million Land Rates Row With Sakaja
- EACC Officers Hurriedly Leave Natembeya’s Residence Amid Tension
- EXPLAINER: Why Most Kenyans Are Denied Schengen Visas
In the 2024 season, she won the Boston Marathon before taking bronze at the Paris Olympics.
She subsequently completed an excellent season with a second-place performance at the New York City Marathon, which has become her stronghold.
Obiri’s disclosure about why she relocated to the United States comes as the country grapples with concerns about the safety of female athletes.
This comes after a concerning pattern was discovered in Iten involving persons who actively seek out sportsmen with promise.
REVEALED: Why Hellen Obiri Relocated To The US After New York Marathon
