The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Francis Ogolla has today met the 2023 Boston Marathon Champion, Senior Sergeant (Ssgt) Hellen Obiri at the Defence Headquarters in Nairobi.
The CDF congratulated the marathoner for her stunning performance during the 127th edition of the Boston Marathon on 17 April 2023, where she won, clocking an impressive time of 2 hours 21 minutes and 38 seconds.
The CDF recognized her stellar performance as an athlete and role model to many sports personalities within KDF, the nation, and global sports.
Ssgt Obiri expressed gratitude for the recognition by the CDF. Adding that KDF had given her the best environment to begin and sustain her athletics career.
Asked about her memorable races, she spoke of the recent Boston Marathon and the 5000M race in the 2017 IAAF World Championship.
The CDF commended and encouraged her to run for Kenya and to hoist the KDF and the national flags high. He also steered her to consider how her experiences can translate to mentorship for younger athletes.
The meeting also broached on the significance of discipline in all sports, especially the long-distance races.
Ssgt Obiri, who formerly ran short races, said she was inspired to grow to long distance races due to her age and the need to challenge her endurance as a marathon athlete.
Also present during the meeting were Senior Directing Staff (Air) at the National Defence College Major General Fatuma Ahmed, Chief of Strategic Communications (StratCom) Brigadier Zipporah Kioko and Colonel Benjamin Kiprop Colonel Sports.
Add Comment