How Relocating to the US Transformed Hellen Obiri’s Career and Life

In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…

• Hellen Obiri moved to the US in 2022 to pursue marathon success and benefit from gender-equal opportunities, which she felt were limited in Kenya.
• Since relocating, she has won multiple major marathons, including Boston and New York, and earned a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics.

Two-time Boston Marathon champion Hellen Obiri has opened up about her decision to leave Kenya and settle in the United States, a move that has significantly reshaped her career and perspective on life. 

Obiri, one of Kenya’s most accomplished female athletes, relocated in 2022 to focus on her marathon ambitions. Her first race in the US, the New York City Marathon, saw her finish sixth, marking the start of a remarkable transformation.

In a recent interview, Obiri revealed that living in a developed country broadened her horizons and gave her opportunities she felt were harder to come by in Kenya, especially as a woman. 

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She emphasized that in the US, gender equality in sports is more apparent, allowing women to thrive alongside men.

“They say opportunities knock only once. If I had stayed in Kenya, I might still be running, but the spotlight is often on men,” Obiri said. 

She added that living in the US made her feel valued and motivated her to work harder. “Women need to support more women. Today, I feel truly honored,” she remarked.

Obiri’s move has paid off spectacularly. Following her initial disappointment in New York, she bounced back to win the Boston Marathon in 2023. 

She capped off that season with a victory at the New York City Marathon, solidifying her status as one of the sport’s greats. 

In 2024, she continued her dominance with another Boston Marathon win, a bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, and a second-place finish in New York.

Her reflections come as Kenya faces growing concerns over the safety of female athletes, particularly in regions like Iten, where troubling reports have emerged of individuals exploiting young athletes. 

Obiri’s story highlights the importance of creating safer and more equitable environments for women in sports, both in Kenya and beyond.