Hellen Obiri, a two-time Boston Marathon champion, is one of Kenya’s most consistent and decorated athletes. Having started her professional career in 2010, Obiri’s journey to success has been paved with numerous obstacles and challenges, particularly as a female athlete in a male-dominated sports world. Despite her undeniable talent, discipline, and resilience, Obiri has faced significant gender-based inequalities that continue to hinder the recognition and respect female athletes deserve.
Obiri’s career began at the 2011 Daegu World Championships where she finished 10th in the 1500m final, a tough start that only fueled her determination. Her persistence paid off when she made the national team for the London 2012 Olympic Games, where she finished seventh in the 1500m. Over the years, Obiri’s accomplishments continued to grow, with her first World Championship medal coming in 2013, when she claimed bronze in the 1500m in Moscow. Her most impressive achievements followed, including gold medals in the 2017 and 2019 World Championships.
Obiri’s latest triumph was at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where she won a bronze medal in the marathon, solidifying her versatility as an athlete capable of excelling across different distances. However, despite these accomplishments, Obiri has repeatedly pointed out a glaring gap in the way female athletes are treated compared to their male counterparts. According to Obiri, women in sports face a unique set of challenges that often go unacknowledged. She has emphasized that even though female athletes push themselves just as hard as their male peers, their efforts often go unnoticed, leaving them with less recognition and respect.
“Talent alone is not enough,” Obiri has said, highlighting the complexities of succeeding as a female athlete. “Discipline, resilience, and an unshakable belief in oneself are what keep champions going.” Obiri’s words reflect her own journey, where years of hard work, mental strength, and sacrifices have led her to the top. Despite this, the sacrifices made by female athletes are often overlooked or downplayed. Obiri stressed that it is easy for people to forget the unseen struggles that go into every victory early mornings, grueling training sessions, and the endless miles run on dusty roads.
Beyond the physical challenges, Obiri has also had to navigate the mental and emotional strain that comes with competing at the highest level in a field that often does not give women the same respect as men. It is a reality that she and many other female athletes continue to face, as society and sports institutions tend to underestimate the capacity of women to succeed at elite levels. The impact of this disparity can be seen in the lack of equal pay, media attention, sponsorship opportunities, and overall support for female athletes.
Despite these challenges, Obiri remains unshaken. Her ability to continue competing at the highest level, year after year, speaks to her strength and dedication. She remains focused on her future goals, including the upcoming Boston Marathon, where she hopes to defend her title after winning the 2023 and 2024 editions. With her experience and track record, Obiri is in a strong position to continue dominating the marathon scene, but her story also serves as a reminder of the broader issues women face in sports.
Obiri’s resilience is a testament to the sacrifices that female athletes make to stay at the top of their game. While her achievements speak for themselves, she continues to advocate for the recognition of the challenges that women in sports face. Her message is clear: Female athletes deserve the same respect, recognition, and opportunities as their male counterparts. The fight for equality in sports is far from over, but champions like Hellen Obiri continue to lead the way, proving that with hard work, perseverance, and the right mindset, women can achieve greatness despite the obstacles in their path.
