Lilian Odira believes clinching gold in the 800m at the African Senior Championships on June 21-26 in Douala, Cameroon, will propel her to a podium finish at the Paris Olympic Games next month.
Odira qualified for the Olympics by meeting the women’s 1:59.30 standard during trials at Nyayo Stadium last Friday, where she finished first with a time of 1:59.27.
Sarah Moraa secured second place in 1:59.35, while World Champion Mary Moraa settled for third in 1:59.39.
With her Olympic spot secured, Odira now sets her sights on gold in Douala.
“After qualifying for the Olympics, my focus now turns to the African Championships in Cameroon. I hope to win gold,” she stated.
Odira emphasised the importance of her performance in Cameroon as a confidence booster for Paris.
“A good performance in Cameroon will help me a lot in Paris. It will motivate me,” she remarked.
To qualify for the Cameroon meet, Odira clinched the national 800m title last month with a time of 2:02.21.
Sarah (2:02.36) and Mueni Kalimi (2:02.24) completed the podium. Odira will be joined by Mary Moraa in Douala.
Odira credits her coach, Jacinta Muraguri, for her remarkable comeback from maternity leave to meet the Olympic qualification time.
“My coach has always been there for me, even during tough times. Returning from maternity this year has not been easy. She has pushed me and motivated me to win, as shown by my performance at the trials. My family has also been incredibly supportive,” Odira acknowledged.
Odira looks forward to her maiden Olympic appearance.
“It’s an amazing feeling to make the Olympic time. I have been dreaming of making my first appearance at the Olympics. It has happened,” she stated.
Odira is aware of the tough competition awaiting in Paris but remains optimistic about Kenya’s chances.
“I know Paris will be tough. There are a lot of top athletes. However, I believe that if we work together as Team Kenya, we can secure a 1-2-3 finish,” she affirmed.
In Paris, the Kenyan contingent will be up against defending champion Athing Mu of USA and Olympic silver medallist Keely Hodgkinson of Britain.
Post-African Championships, Odira plans to focus on refining her performance.
“After the African Championships, my focus will be on rectifying some of my weaknesses. There won’t be much time left so I have to put in the work to ensure I’m in prime condition for Paris,” she concluded.
Odira’s last represented the country at the African Games in March, where she placed fourth in a time of 2:00.81.
Vivian Chebet (2:00.27), Halimah Nakaayi of Uganda (1:58.59) and Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma (1:57.73) sealed the podium.
