Lilian Odira reveals impact of motherhood ahead of season-opener at Kip Keino Classic
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 22.04.26. | 21:35
The 27-year-old is a mother of two boys; Gavin and Rylan
Reigning World 800m champion Lilian Odira says she is drawing much of her strength from being a mother, even as she prepares to kick off her season at the 2026 Kip Keino Classic on Friday, 24 April.
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Odira, 27, is preparing to defend her 800m title from last year, as she takes part in her first race of 2026.
“I’m going to run at the Kip Keino Classic as my season opener because I haven’t competed since the start of 2026," Odira said.
"I want to see how my body is and how far we have gone with training. I would like to defend my title because I’m the Kip Keino champion.”
Reigning World Champion in 800m, Lilian Odira, amesema hakuna excuse ya kukosa Absa Kip Keino Classic 🔥🏃♀️
— Kass Media Group (@Kass_FMOfficial) April 17, 2026
24th April | Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi
Fika Nyayo Stadium, juu itakua mwecheche #absakipkeinoclassic2026 #Running #AthleticsKenya #Kenya #Sports pic.twitter.com/RIrROGSiYL
Odira is coming off a brilliant 2025, which saw her secure her first major title by winning the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September.
Divulging into her journey to global champion, Odira credited motherhood for pushing her to new level, while naming athletes she looks up to for inspiration.
“I’m always proud of being a mother, and I think that is what has pushed me to where I am today,” Odira, who is a mother of two sons; Gavin (six) and Rylan (three), said.
“Since I came back from maternity (leave) in 2023, I have been working hard to be like other great women who have been making waves out there.
The likes of Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Hellen Obiri, Peres Jepchirchir and Faith Kipyegon. I have always wanted to be like one of them, and I think my dream has come true. I’m hoping to continue doing my best.”
On Friday night, she comes up against among others: South Africa’s Aviwe Hoboloshe, Ethiopia’s Habtam Gebeyehu and home talent Judy Kemunto.
“I want to say that I will go run my race and I’m going there with the hope of doing my best, and I’m hoping to perform well,” Odira said of the night-race at Nyayo Stadium.
“I have to be proud because most of our fans just watch us in the international races, but now having a competition at home, we have the fanbase advantage.”
As a global champion, Odira feels a responsibility toward young spectators.
“I want young athletes to know that anything is possible, they just have to be disciplined, put in consistent hard work, and believe in themselves,” she said. “They also have to believe in their coaches. I have always believed what my coach has told me, and I know that she is the best among the best.”
On her road ahead, Odira said she plans to represent Kenya at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, before competing at the World Athletics Ultimate Championships.
But first things first.
“I have never run a race at night in Kenya; it will be my first experience,” Odira said. “I’m hoping for the best and I’m excited.”