Lilian Odira capped off Kenya’s campaign at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan in spectacular fashion, winning gold in the women’s 800m on the final day of competition.
The African silver medalist stormed to victory in a championship record time of 1:54.62, adding another gold to Kenya’s medal tally and announcing herself as a new global force in the two-lap event.
Great Britain’s Georgia Hunter Bell claimed silver with a personal best of 1:54.90, just edging out compatriot Keely Hodgkinson, who took bronze in 1:54.91.
Kenya’s rising star and World U20 champion, Sarah Moraa, narrowly missed out on the podium but impressed with a personal best of 1:55.74 to finish fourth.
Former world champion Mary Moraa, meanwhile, settled for seventh place in 1:57.10 in a highly competitive final.
Odira’s commanding performance not only secured Kenya’s final gold of the championships but also underlined the nation’s continued dominance in middle-distance running.
