Odira rallies behind Kipyegon after challenging start to season
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 16.07.26. | 17:08
Kipyegon came under scrutiny after finishing fourth in the women's 3000m at the Monaco Diamond League earlier this month, clocking 8:24.21
Kenyan middle-distance runner Lilian Odira has come out strongly in support of Faith Kipyegon following criticism over the three-time Olympic champion's challenging start to the 2026 season.
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Kipyegon came under scrutiny after finishing fourth in the women's 3000m at the Monaco Diamond League earlier this month, clocking 8:24.21.
The race was won by fellow Kenyan Agnes Ngetich in a world-leading and personal best time of 8:08.95, just days after Kipyegon had also settled for third in the women's mile at the Prefontaine Classic in 4:17.80.
After the race, Kipyegon revealed she had not been at full fitness, explaining that she had been managing a hamstring injury sustained during the Shanghai Diamond League.
Speaking in defense of the decorated athlete, Odira urged Kenyans to remain patient and remember Kipyegon's remarkable contribution to the country's athletics success over the years.
“Faith has carried the burden for this country, I think, since I was young. She has been running for us, winning gold medals, and I don’t think there is a single medal she has missed.
She has been doing exemplary well, and now that she has not done well in only two events, we have forgotten what she has done for our country," said Odira.
The Commonwealth Games-bound athlete also reminded fans that athletes often compete through injuries without making their physical struggles public, saying it was unfair to judge Kipyegon based on only a few races.
Odira's remarks come as Kipyegon continues her recovery and prepares for the remainder of the season, with many expecting the world record holder to return to her dominant best once fully fit.