Star Hellen Obiri fires warning shots

Hellen Obiri competes in the Mixed Relays during the AK/LOTTO National Cross Country Championship at the Ngong Race Course on February 13, 2021. [Stafford Ondego, Standard]

Hellen Obiri, the world 5,000m champion, fired warning shots on her rivals at the second leg of Athletics Kenya track and field meeting inside Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.

Obiri, the Olympic 5,000m silver medallist, oozed pure class as she shook off a challenge from Evan Cherono to win 10,000m race in 31:24.7. Cherono (31:29.6), Vicoty Chepngéno (31:42.9) and Brillian Jepkorir (32:05.9) checked in second, third and fourth respectively.

Obiri wants to compete in 5,000m and 10,000m at the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

“I came here prepared well. I just wanted to test my body response. I hope for the best,” said Obiri.

She finished fourth at the 2019 Doha World Championships in 10,000m and now longs to change the pecking order at the Olympics.

 “That was my first championship competing in 10,000m and I didn’t expect to perform well. I have learned a lot competing against the established 10,000m athletes,” she said.

Kenya's Hellen Obiri celebrates after winning the women's 5000 meter race with a world leading time during the Diamond League athletics meeting at the Louis II stadium in Monaco Friday, Aug. 14, 2020. [Eric Gaillard/Pool Via AP]

But the clash between men’s national 100m record holder Mark Otieno and in form Ferdinand Omanyala was the day’s showstopper.

Otieno pulled a fast one on Omanyala, posting a jaw-dropping 10.24 seconds in 100m. Omanyala (10.40 seconds) and Tazana Kamanga (10.49 seconds) returned sealed the podium places. 

Otieno said he will strive to hit Olympic Games qualifying standards of 10.05 seconds.

“I hope to qualify for Olympic Games. I am still nursing a calf strain injury. But I long to make the team to World Relay Championships and the Africa Senior Athletics Championships,” he said.

Maximilla Imali, a member of 2018 Commonwealth Games squad, showed little respect for her challengers as she won 100m (11.95) and 200m (21.0).

Boaz Kiprugut of Kenya Prisons chalked up 800m victory in 1:45.9 as Naomi Korir won women’s race in 2:02.3.

The third and final Track and Field meeting is scheduled for April 2-3 at the Nyayo Stadium.