By Peter Njoroge
800m world champion Lilian Odira, believes her greatest source of strength lies in motherhood rather than her spikes.
The 27-year-old is preparing to defend her title at the Absa Kip Keino Classic. This marks her first race of the year.
“I’m going to run at the Kip Keino Classic as my season opener because I haven’t competed since the start of 2026,” Odira said.
“I want to see how my body is and how far we have gone with training. I would like to defend my title because I’m the Kip Keino champion.”
Odira enjoyed a stellar 2025, securing her first major career title at the Tokyo World Championships. Despite this massive achievement, she views her journey primarily through the lens of being a mother.
Her two sons, Gavin (6) and Rylan (3), are central figures in her life.
Odira transformed into a world-class athlete after returning from her second maternity leave in late 2023. She describes this period as a vital turning point.
“I’m always proud of being a mother, and I think that is what has pushed me to where I am today. Since I came back from maternity (leave), I have been working hard to be like other great women who have been making waves out there,” she said.
“The likes of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Hellen Obiri, Peres Jepchirchir and Faith Kipyegon. I have always wanted to be like one of them, and I think my dream has come true. I’m hoping to continue doing my best.”
Lilian Odira won the 2025 edition of the Kip Keino Classic at the Ulinzi Sports Complex. © Peter Njoroge
Despite the weight of being a World Champion, Odira is approaching the Kip Keino Classic with a grounded perspective.
At the Classic she must outsmart a talented field, including South Africa’s Aviwe Hoboloshe, Ethiopia’s Habtam Gebeyehu and home talent Judy Kemunto, among others.
While she welcomes the “fanbase advantage” she remains focused on her own performance. As a result, she refuses to let external noise disrupt her long-term goals for the 2026 season.
“I have to be proud because most of our fans just watch us in the international races, but now having a competition at home, we have the fanbase advantage,” she said.
“I want to say that I will go run my race and I’m going there with the hope of doing my best, and I’m hoping to perform well.”
Floodlights and New Technology
The 2026 edition of the Kip Keino Classic marks a historic shift, as the event moves to a night-time schedule under floodlights. For Odira, this provides a fresh challenge.
“I have never run a race at night in Kenya; it will be my first experience, and I’m hoping for the best and I’m excited,” she noted.
Furthermore, the introduction of Wavelight technology at home is a game-changer for local athletes who usually only encounter the pacing lights on the international circuit.
Wavelight technology is a pacing system consisting of a series of LED lights built into a running track. that flash at a precise, pre-set speed. As a result, athletes can maintain a target pace while spectators track their progress against records.
“I think it is a very good motivation for the athletes, more so those from Kenya. We only use the wavelight outside the country, but now that we have them at home,” Odira explained.
“We take them as an advantage and try to chase faster times, and it is of good use to us.”
Lilian Odira is a source of inspiration for upcoming athletes. © Peter Njoroge
As a global champion, Odira feels a responsibility toward young spectators. Her advice stems from the same discipline that saw her win gold.
“I want young athletes to know that anything is possible, they just have to be disciplined, put in consistent hard work, and believe in themselves. They also have to believe in their coaches,” she said.
“I have always believed what my coach has told me, and I know that she is the best among the best.”
The Road Ahead
“My goal is to represent Kenya at the Commonwealth Games, I want to compete at the trials and make the cut. I’m also looking forward to the Ultimate Championships,” she revealed.
As Odira gets her season underway, she is driven by the knowledge that every medal she chases is a trophy for her sons to look up to.
Article by Peter Njoroge for Kip Keino Classic
