!['Elite relay practice with my teammate!'- Mark Otieno bonds with son Luke on the track [VIDEO]](https://sportal365images.com/process/smp-images-production/ringier.africa/26122024/f87bf51f-185c-4bab-927c-4bb7d4ac9072.jpg?operations=fit(480:))
Mark Otieno has shared a heartwarming video with his son, blending fatherhood and athletics in an inspiring moment.
Former 100m national champion Mark Otieno has melted hearts online by sharing an adorable video of himself training with his 11-month-old son, Luke Baraka Odhiambo.
The 31-year-old sprinter posted the clip on Instagram, where father and son were seen on a training track, hinting at the beginnings of a new generation of runners in the Otieno household.
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In the video, Otieno passes a miniature relay baton to Luke, who toddles forward with unsteady but determined steps, eliciting joy and encouragement from the proud dad.
The caption accompanying the post read, “Elite relay practice to wrap up today’s training session. My teammates’ speed is unlike anything I’ve seen on the track.”
The heartwarming moment reflects Otieno's renewed passion for his sport and life, a motivation he attributes to fatherhood.
“His name means light. Yes, I did,” Otieno shared in a recent interview when asked about the significance of naming his son Luke.
“This boy really means so much to me and of course, his name is the third Gospel of the Bible. He does, this boy has really made me wake up very early in the morning to work hard.”
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Otieno and his wife, Stephanie Muluka Odhiambo, also a sprinter, welcomed Luke on January 16, 2024.
The milestone not only brought joy to the couple but also inspired Mark to aim higher in his athletic career.
After serving a two-year ban following a suspension at the Tokyo Games in 2021, Otieno made a strong comeback to competitive athletics, racing at events such as the Africa Athletics Championships and the Wiesław Maniak Memorial.
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While Otieno has yet to reclaim his position among the global elite, moments like the one shared with his son underscore his dedication to his craft and his family.
His return to training in August 2023 and subsequent performances in April 2024 marked his gradual resurgence on the track.
“The birth of my son has changed my perspective on everything,” Otieno admitted.
“I now train with a purpose, knowing that my hard work not only shapes my future but also creates a better life for my family. Luke has become my greatest cheerleader.”
Fans and fellow athletes flooded Otieno's post with messages of admiration, praising his commitment to family and his resilience in the face of past setbacks.
Many remarked on the symbolism of passing the baton to the next generation, calling it an inspiring gesture of hope and continuity.
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As the 2025 season approaches, Otieno is setting his sights on representing Team Kenya at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, scheduled for September.
With a season of steady progress behind him and the support of his family, he remains determined to shine on the global stage.
The video has since gone viral, with fans applauding the touching moment between the sprinting star and his little protégé.
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