The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Francis Ogolla, held a momentous meeting today with Senior Sergeant (Ssgt) Hellen Obiri, the victor of the 2023 Boston Marathon.
This exclusive encounter took place at the esteemed Defence Headquarters in Nairobi, where General Ogolla conveyed his heartfelt congratulations to the remarkable marathoner.
Ssgt Obiri’s awe-inspiring performance during the 127th edition of the Boston Marathon on April 17, 2023, propelled her to victory with an astonishing time of 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 38 seconds.
The CDF took this opportunity to acknowledge Ssgt Obiri’s outstanding accomplishments as both an athlete and a role model.
Her achievements have not only influenced numerous sports personalities within the Kenyan Defence Forces (KDF) but have also left an indelible impact on the nation and the global sports community.
Expressing her sincere appreciation for the recognition bestowed upon her by the CDF, Ssgt Obiri expressed gratitude for the invaluable support she has received from the KDF.
She credited the organization for providing her with the ideal environment to embark on and sustain her athletics career.
It is within the nurturing confines of the KDF that Ssgt Obiri has flourished, solidifying her position as a world-class athlete.
When asked about her most memorable races, Ssgt Obiri fondly recounted her recent triumph at the Boston Marathon and reflected on the 5000-meter race she participated in during the 2017 IAAF World Championship.
These exhilarating events have undoubtedly shaped her athletic journey, leaving an indescribable imprint on her mind and heart.
In light of her exceptional talent and unwavering dedication, the CDF extended his commendation and encouragement to Ssgt Obiri, urging her to continue representing Kenya with unmatched fervor.
He emphasized the importance of hoisting both the KDF and the national flags high, symbolizing the pride and honor associated with such representation.
Furthermore, the CDF encouraged Ssgt Obiri to consider how her extensive experiences could translate into mentorship opportunities for aspiring young athletes. By sharing her wisdom and expertise, she could inspire and guide the next generation of sporting prodigies.
During their meeting, General Ogolla and Ssgt Obiri delved into a discussion regarding the significance of discipline in all sports, particularly in long-distance races.
Ssgt Obiri, who initially focused on shorter races, divulged that her transition to long-distance running was motivated by her age and the desire to test and enhance her endurance as a marathon athlete.
This bold decision has undoubtedly paid off, as evidenced by her triumph in the renowned Boston Marathon.
Accompanying General Ogolla at the meeting were Major General Fatuma Ahmed, Senior Directing Staff (Air) at the National Defence College, Brigadier Zipporah Kioko, Chief of Strategic Communications (StratCom), and Colonel Benjamin Kiprop, who oversees sports activities within the KDF.
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