Hellen Obiri, one of the most accomplished distance runners in the world, recently shared an emotional journey of overcoming post-partum depression after the birth of her daughter, Tania, in 2015. The two-time Boston Marathon champion opened up about how motherhood, combined with the pressures of her athletic career, nearly caused her to walk away from her dreams.
Obiri, who had already established herself as one of Kenya’s finest athletes, found herself facing new challenges after giving birth. Her career had reached significant milestones, including making it to the 2016 Rio Olympics, but the transition to motherhood brought with it a range of emotions and uncertainties. As she tried to balance her family life with the demanding world of competitive athletics, she faced a period of self-doubt, struggling with whether she could continue to compete at the highest level. The pressure of her new role as a mother, along with the physical and mental strain of the sport, left her questioning her future in athletics.
At the time, Obiri had just upgraded her race distance to 5000 meters, a transition that came with its own set of challenges. Despite her immense talent, she felt overwhelmed by the changes in her personal and professional life. She was unsure how her performance would be affected, particularly as she prepared for the Rio Olympics. Competing in one of the most competitive athletic events in the world, and after dealing with the profound changes in her life, she found herself at a crossroads.
However, despite these struggles, Obiri’s journey was marked by a powerful support system that helped her stay grounded. Her family, friends, and fellow athletes provided the encouragement she needed to keep pushing forward. Thanks to their support, she was able to rise above the mental and physical obstacles in her path and produce a stellar performance in Rio. Obiri went on to win a silver medal in the women’s 5000 meters at the Rio Olympics, a moment that solidified her status as one of the world’s best distance runners.
Looking back, Obiri reflected on how difficult those early years of motherhood were. She recalled the internal battle she faced between the demands of her athletic career and the emotional weight of being a new mother. “It kills me inside to think about the tough times I faced,” she admitted, acknowledging how hard it was to remain focused on her running while juggling her new role as a mother. Yet, her resilience, supported by her loved ones, allowed her to turn what could have been a career setback into a triumphant moment.
Her success in Rio was not just a personal victory but also a celebration of the power of perseverance. Obiri stayed in the Olympic village for an additional ten days after her silver medal win, soaking in the beauty of Rio and the camaraderie of the athletes. She fondly remembered the cheers of the crowd, especially the shouts of “Go Kenya!” as she competed in her first 5000-meter race. The experience of being on the podium, surrounded by the vibrant energy of Rio, left her with unforgettable memories.
After Rio, Obiri continued to defy the odds and build on her success. She competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she won a silver medal in the 5000 meters and finished fourth in the 10,000 meters. Her performances at these Games showcased her versatility and ability to compete at the highest level, even with the pressures of being a mother. But it was at the Paris 2024 Olympics where Obiri truly showed her unyielding determination. In her marathon debut, she clinched the bronze medal, solidifying her place as one of the greatest long-distance runners of her generation.
Obiri’s career serves as an inspiration to many, especially young women who aspire to balance family and career. Her story is one of resilience, where the challenges of motherhood, self-doubt, and post-partum depression were met with unrelenting perseverance. Today, she continues to inspire countless individuals to chase their dreams, no matter the obstacles they may face along the way. Through it all, Obiri has shown that with the right support and determination, even the toughest of challenges can be overcome.
