5,000m world champion Obiri returns to form, eyes to conquer Africa C'ships

Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-07 09:17:48|Editor: Liu
Video PlayerClose

NAIROBI, June 6 (Xinhua) -- World 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri believes she has recovered from her exhaustion following back to back competition at the global level and will be firing from all cylinders at the Africa Championships.

Obiri, 28, started the season on a low note losing at the World Indoor Championships in Birmingham, England in March, but dusted it off with victory at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia in April.

However, she failed to exhibit her consistent and front running skills in the two Diamond League meetings she has taken part in at Doha (Qatar) and Eugene (USA), which she attributed to lack of stamina because of wearing out.

"I was a little bit tired after winning the Commonwealth title in April in Gold Coast but I have been recovering slowly," said Obiri.

"I am happy to run 14:35 at the Prefontaine Classic (Eugene USA) after a few weeks of experiencing under strength. This is due to low iron levels in my body. But I promise to get better from here."

The 2016 Rio Olympics 5,000m silver medalist returns to action on Thursday in Kenya Defense Forces Championships where she will be challenged by world half marathon record holder Joyciline Jepskogei and Berlin Marathon champion Gladys Cherono.

The trio will then line up at the national championships due on June 21-24 in Nairobi to select the team for the Africa Senior Championships, which will be held in Aug. 1-5 in Asaba, Nigeria.

It's in Asaba where the African team for the IAAF Continental Cup (World Cup) due on Sept. 8-9 in Ostrava, Czech will be named. Other teams will come from Asia/Latino, America and Europe.

TOP STORIES
EDITOR’S CHOICE
MOST VIEWED
EXPLORE XINHUANET
010020070750000000000000011100851372364531