Paris 2024: Obiri proud of her bronze medal in Olympic marathon

Women's Olympics marathon bronze medallist Hellen Obiri. [AFP]

Two-time 5,000m Olympic silver medallist Hellen Obiri is a happy woman.

Despite finishing third on her women's marathon debut at the Olympics, she remains focused on better things to come.

Obiri added another feather to her cap on the final day of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games to take Kenya’s medals tally to 11 (four gold, two silver and five bronze) as the East African nation topped the continent ranking and finished 17th globally.

Dutchwoman Sifan Hassan stole the show to win gold in an Olympic record of 2:22:55 barely a few days after winning bronze in both 5,000m and 10,000m.

Obiri timed 2:23:10 to finish behind Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa, who settled for silver (2:22:58).

Sharon Lokedi claimed the fourth spot in a time of 2:23:14, while Tokyo 2020 champion Peres Jepchirchir finished 15th with a time of 2:26:51.

This was Obiri's first appearance in marathon at the Olympics since she transitioned from the track to road races in late 2022.

She clinched Boston Marathon on her debut at the distance in 2023, clocking 2:21:38, then lifted the New York title before retaining her Boston title in 2:22:37 this year.

“This was amazing to me because after Boston I had a bad injury, but I tried my best and came back on time. So I'm really proud of what I have done today,” said Obiri.

“The course was really challenging, I had a lot of ups and downs, I almost gave up, but with less than 4km, I tried to push. The hills were really tough for me and my legs were not moving."

Despite Kenya relinquishing the title, Lokedi, who was initially named in the reserve team, is proud of their efforts.

“Honestly, I’m really proud of my performance. I wanted to be in the top three, I knew the last few kilometres will be tough, but I just wanted to fight as much as I could and be in top group until the end,” said Lokedi.

“I have never seen such a steep hill, it was almost 600m. Even in Kenya we have hills, but this one was something else. I felt the race was gone at 200m to go, but when I saw Hellen (Obiri) in front of me, I just wanted her to keep going because I was worried about the people coming from behind. I just wanted a medal to go back home."

"I’m also proud for Peres because we all worked hard together, it’s not where we expected,  but we are still proud of what we did. I hope Kenyans are happy.”

“I knew I don’t have a kick so I really had to fight hard, and make sure I stay in the top pack. Yes I did, but it’s unfortunate towards the end we were still the four of us.”