Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine
Kenya’s Lilian Odira delivered one of the most dramatic finishes of the World Championships when she stormed to victory in the women’s 800 metres on Sunday. In a race packed with talent and speed, Odira stunned the field with a late surge to claim her first world title, breaking her personal best by nearly two seconds and setting a new championship record. Her winning time of 1:54.62 erased the 42-year-old mark set by Czech legend Jarmila Kratochvilova at the very first championships in 1983.
The race was a thriller from the start. Defending champion Mary Moraa set a blistering pace, hitting the bell in 55.7 seconds, as the field immediately spread out. Among the front runners was Britain’s Keely Hodgkinson, who had returned from hamstring problems only weeks earlier but had looked strong and confident leading up to the final. Hodgkinson battled fiercely with Moraa around the final bend, edging ahead to position herself for what looked like a decisive win. With just 30 metres left, the stage was set for a British 1-2 as Hodgkinson led with her teammate Georgia Hunter-Bell pushing behind her.
But Odira was not done. Finding an extra gear when it mattered most, she surged past both Britons in the final strides, snatching gold in breathtaking fashion. Her finish left the crowd gasping, as Hunter-Bell grabbed silver in 1:54.90, a personal best, and Hodgkinson settled for bronze in 1:54.91—just a fraction of a second behind.
For Odira, it was the perfect debut on the global stage. “This is my first world championships and I am really grateful to be leaving it as the world champion,” she said afterwards. “The first lap was very fast, but I knew I had to keep pushing in the second. I just followed the pace and tried to stay with the leaders. In the end, I had the strongest finish and I’m lucky to take the gold medal home.”
Hunter-Bell, who had switched from her usual 1,500 metres to focus on the 800 for a better medal chance, was delighted with her silver. “I feel really happy. The race went the way I thought it might—very hard from the start. My coaches told me not to get trapped on the inside, but I found myself on the rail with about 150 to go. I had to fight my way out, but I felt really strong.” Her gamble to change events clearly paid off as four of the top five runners set personal bests in the final.
Hodgkinson, who had been favored for gold, was left in disbelief after being caught so close to the finish line. Though disappointed, she quickly showed grace, embracing her teammate after the race. “It got away from me once again,” she admitted. “I gave it my best. I wanted gold, so of course I’m a bit disappointed. But if someone told me back in June, when I was still recovering from injury, that I’d run like this and win a bronze medal, I would have taken it. Coming back from injury showed me how strong I am, and I’m proud of that.”
The women’s 800m final will be remembered for its electrifying pace, courageous performances, and a finish that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Odira’s victory not only crowned her as a new global star but also ended one of the longest-standing records in championship history, marking the beginning of what could be a remarkable career.