'Watching them gives me hope'- Hellen Obiri details emotional journey toward Boston Marathon hat trick

'Watching them gives me hope'- Hellen Obiri details emotional journey toward Boston Marathon hat trick

Abigael Wafula 12:00 - 04.04.2025

Hellen Obiri is inspired by the rising stars of Kenyan athletics as she chases a historic Boston Marathon hat trick.

As she prepares for a rare hat trick at the Boston Marathon, Hellen Obiri has opened up about her inspiration from Beatrice Chebet and Faith Kipyegon.

Despite the duo being younger than Hellen Obiri, the former New York City Marathon champion explained that they are redefining the world of track and field with their impressive global performance.

Last season, Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet were in a class of their own, placing Kenya on the world map in the sport.

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Faith Kipyegon broke the world record in the 1500m at the Diamond League Meeting in Paris before heading to the Paris Olympic Games and making history by becoming the first athlete to win three successive Olympic titles in the 1500m.

The three-time world 1500m champion also won the 5000m silver medal and rounded up her season with a win at Alexis Ohanian’s women-only event.

Beatrice Chebet was also impressive, breaking the 10,000m world record at the Prefontaine Classic before heading to the Paris Olympic Games where she won the 5000m and 10,000m.

“Women like Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet are redefining what’s possible. Watching them gives me hope — it reminds me that there’s still room to grow, still limits to push,” Hellen Obiri said as quoted by Puravida Sports.

Hellen Obiri routine on race day

Hellen Obiri routine on race day
Hellen Obiri routine on race day. Image source: Imago

Two-time Boston Marathon champion explained that she still gets nervous when lining up for major races, as she prepares for the Boston Marathon.

Hellen Obiri is undeniably one of the most experienced athletes, having competed on the track and later transitioned to road running.

The two-time world champion made her international debut in 2011 and made her first national team at the World Championships in Daegu where she finished 10th in the 1500m. She made her full marathon debut in 2022 at the New York City Marathon where she finished sixth.

“Everyone gets butterflies. Sometimes I chat (before a race), and sometimes I sit in silence. You learn to calm your spirit,” she revealed.

Hellen Obiri on skipping the World Championships

Hellen Obiri on skipping the World Championships
Hellen Obiri on skipping the World Championships

The two-time Olympic silver medallist revealed that she will miss her first World Championships since 2011 to allow upcoming talent.

“We have young talent coming through who can shine in the championships, I have done my bit. But for now. I’m focusing on giving Boston my very best,” he said.

As Hellen Obiri prepares herself for a historic hat trick at the Boston Marathon, she continues drawing motivation from the stellar achievements of younger stars like Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet.

Her journey highlights a champion who is not only chasing victory but also paving the way for the next generation.