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Odira has revealed how learning from seasoned athletes like Kipyegon and Obiri has helped her as she prepares to run her first ever race outside of the continent at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Despite being set to make her first appearance in a major global competition, African 800m silver medalist Lillian Odira is not phased by the prospects of representing the country at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Odira, who shocked the country by winning the national Olympics trials last June is hoping to reach the final and deliver a podium finish in France.
At 25, 2024 has come as a surprise for her. At the beginning of the year, her target was just to represent Kenya outside the country, but her hard work and determination has led her to achieving even more.
“It is an honor from God to qualify for the Olympics after the hard work with my coaches, my training mate, family support from qualifying for the African championships, to now these games, so I think it is a good motivation for me,” Odira told NTV.
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16:47 - 30.07.2024
Justin Gatlin jumps to Ferdinand Omanyala's defence over claims he only records fast times in Kenya
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Odira opened her season at the African games in March, but failed to bag a medal, finishing fourth. However, the disappointment in Ghana did not deter her.
In fact, it fueled her desire to do better, and she won silver at the African Games championships on the 23rd of June.
“There is nothing that has changed from training. You have to push further more because you are in the limelight. You are on the media and TV, so people expect more from you. It is harder but you do it perfectly because you do not want to let down your fans.”
Having been a national champion back in highschool and a bronze medalist in the 800m at the East African Secondary School games, Odira always knew she would one day represent Kenya, and drew inspiration from the more established Kenyan athletes.
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20:17 - 30.07.2024
800m protege Vivian Chebet reveals lessons from Mary Moraa as she sets targets for Paris Olympics
Chebet, who earned a late call-up to the 800m Team Kenya Olympic team, has revealed how Mary Moraa has helped her improve over the weeks they have been training together.
“I have always been watching the likes of Hellen Obiri and Faith Kipyegon because they are mothers and they have made it, so I want to be like them one day. I am sure in some years to come, I will also be like them.”
Before 14th June 2024, Odira had not ran a sub-2 minute race, but on the day, she stopped the timer at 1:59:27 seconds to book a slot at the Olympics.
The games are going to be her first summer games outside Africa and she hopes to replay the individuals that showed faith in her there.
“My dad has been a good support for my talent since I started my career. My mum as well because she makes a prayer for me and I think they were answered and there is still more to come.
Round one of the 800m at the Paris Olympic games begins on August 2 at 8.45 PM EAT.
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10:30 - 31.07.2024
Paris 2024 Olympics: Kayange reflects on 'unforgettable' honour of presenting medals to Fiji players
Kayange reflects on unforgettable honour of presenting Fiji 7s players with their silver medals at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic games
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