HELLEN OBIRI: KISII TO THE WORLD

Gusiiland has produced top talents in the field of athletics but Hellen Obiri has indeed taken Kisii to the world. As a village girl from Bogichocho in Kisii county, she really has amazed the world with her prowess in both short and long-distance running.

Helen has had an exemplary athletics career and is the only woman to have won world tittles in indoor track, outdoor track and cross country.

Hellen is a four times world champion (500m in 2017 and 2019, WCC in 2019, world indoor 300m in 2012) and two times Olympic Games silver medalist (2016 and 2021).

She won the 2023 and 2024 Boston Marathon and the 2023 New York Marathon, 2018 Commonwealth Games and 2014 African Games. She is the only woman to ever won in World Championships titles indoors, outdoors and Cross Country.

All these records are testament that she is a legend of the game. The story of Hellen is a one that has to give encouragement to young girls in Gusiiland.

We are inspired by her story having been a girl from a small village in Kisii county, progressing to become one of the most talented athletes in her events. Her story is one of resilience, pain and victory.

Story by Mellen Bochaberi

Edited by Kevin Mogambi