“I’m doing all these just for my kids.” – Lilian Odira.

Lilian Odira, the National 800m champion, recently shared her main source of motivation as she prepares for her first Olympic Games in Paris, France. 

The Africa 800m silver medallist explained that her children are her top priority, and she is determined to provide for them. 

Odira took a break from competition in 2020 due to maternity and returned in 2023 after having two kids.

In an interview with Nation Sport, she mentioned the challenges she faced in making a comeback. 

The 25-year-old had gained weight, reaching 86kg, and had to work hard to get back to around 55kg. 

Despite the difficulties, she credited two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri for providing crucial support and guidance.

“I’m doing all these just for my kids. You can’t explain to them (her kids) that you don’t have so I just have to work hard because of them. In 2020, I took a maternity break and then when I came back, I don’t if it’s by good luck or bad luck, I also got another baby,” she said.

“Then in 2023, I came back and my goal was to shed my weight. It’s not an easy journey, I had 86kg coming back from maternity and I remember Hellen Obiri is the one who took me to jog and I felt like it was not necessary for me to pursue this career. Obiri kept on motivating me and encouraging me since she had also been there.”

She had to make a lot of sacrifices, revealing that she used to do long runs of up to 30km. 

Odira also explained that her self-belief is what helped her get back into shape.

Odira made a strong comeback this season, winning the national championships and then proceeding to the Africa Senior Athletics Championships where she won a silver medal behind Sarah Moraa.

She also secured her spot at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, marking her first appearance on the global stage. 

This came after she won the national trials, finishing with a time of 1:59.27, ahead of Mary Moraa and Sarah, who clocked respective times of 1:59.35 and 1:59.39.

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