Lilian Odira forecasts Kenyan dominance in 800m at Paris Olympics after securing spot

Photo || Raymond Makhaya

Lilian Odira forecasts Kenyan dominance in 800m at Paris Olympics after securing spot

Mark Kinyanjui 11:30 - 15.06.2024

Odira makes bold prediction for Kenya in the 800m of the upcoming Olympic games in Paris after sealing qualification.

Kenya Prison's Lillian Odira has boldly predicted a complete Kenyan sweep of the podium in the women's 800m event at the upcoming Paris Olympic Games.

As she prepares for the African Senior Championships, Odira is not only focused on her individual performance but also on rallying Team Kenya for an unprecedented triumph in Paris.

Odira’s journey towards this bold vision began at the trials held at Nyayo Stadium last Friday, where she met the women’s 800m Olympic standard with an impressive time of 1:59.27. 

This accomplishment secured her a coveted spot on the Olympic team and set the stage for her to make a significant impact on the global stage.

“I have been dreaming of making my first appearance at the Olympics, and now it has happened,” Odira shared to the media with a sense of fulfillment. Her victory at the trials, where she outpaced Sarah Moraa and World Champion Mary Moraa, underscored her readiness and dedication.

Odira is well aware of the stiff competition awaiting in Paris, including defending champion Athing Mu of the USA and Olympic silver medallist Keely Hodgkinson of Britain. Yet, Odira 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.

To realize this vision, Odira outlined a strategic approach for Team Kenya’s preparation. She emphasized the importance of team cohesion and mutual support, noting that training together and sharing strategies would be key to their success. 

With her Olympic qualification in the bag, Odira’s focus now shifts to the African Championships in Douala, Cameroon, scheduled for June 21-26. She views this competition as a critical step toward not only winning gold but also preparing mentally and physically for the Paris Games.

Odira emphasized the importance of a strong 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, underscoring the psychological advantage of a victory.

Her path to the African Championships was marked by her victory at the national 800m title last month, where she clocked 2:02.21, beating Sarah Moraa and Mueni Kalimi. In Douala, she will be joined by Mary Moraa, adding depth to Kenya’s formidable lineup.

Odira credits her coach, Jacinta Muraguri, for her remarkable comeback from maternity leave and achieving 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.

“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 resilience and dedication are evident as she prepares for the challenges ahead. Her last major outing at the African Games in March saw her place fourth with a time of 2:00.81, behind Vivian Chebet, Halimah Nakaayi of Uganda, and Ethiopia’s Tsige Duguma. These experiences have only fueled her determination to excel on the world stage.

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