Olympic silver medallist Obiri expects tough transition to road races

World champion and Olympics 5,000m silver medalist Hellen Obiri is expecting challenging times when she will be transitioning to road races but is determined to conquer the challenge.

Speaking Monday afternoon at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport upon arrival from the just concluded 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, the 5,000m world champion said she will begin her road races with 10km before moving to half marathon then eventually enter the full marathon.

“It will be very tough but I am determined to succeed in the road races, I have enough experience from the middle distance races that will help me, I will take hard work, discipline.

I will begin with 10km then more to half marathon before eventfully venturing in the full marathon,’ she explained.

Obiri who won the silver medal in 5,000m and finished fourth in 10,000m also spoke about challenges facing the country when it comes to winning more medals in the middle distance races.

“Most of the young athletes the moment they succeed in middle distance races they quickly more to the long distance races and sometimes you can’t be good in both long and short distance races. You have to chose one and focus on it before making the transition ,”added Obiri

On her part, 1,500m gold medalist Faith Kipyegon said she will continue focusing in 1,500m before trying her hand in 5,000m next year.

“For now my focus is on 1,500m and maybe next year I will try my hand  in 5,000m and try mix with 1500m. I will take time to rest and begin my preparation for next season’s world championship,” stated the gold medalist

Kipyegon successfully retained the gold medal she won in Rio 2016 setting a new Olympic record and in the process beating the new 5,000m Olympic champion Sifan Hassan of Netherlands.