Hellen Obiri Claims Bronze
For athletes like Hellen Obiri, the finish line is just another starting point. Their hunger for progress fuels every step, every rep, every grueling session. Obiri isn't one to settle for two silver medals. The Kenyan distance runner, a world champion many times over, had her sights set on the ultimate prize. After years of relentless pursuit, Obiri finally stood on the podium at the Marathon in Paris.
Obsessed with Progress
A distance-running powerhouse, Obiri etched her name into the annals of track and field history. The 34-year-old is a singular talent, the only woman to claim World Championships gold indoors, outdoors, and in cross country.
As a two-time World Champion in the 5000m, she’s proven her dominance on the global stage. Her recent performance in Paris, coupled with triumphs in the Boston Marathon, both in 2023 and 2024, as well as her New York City Marathon victory in 2023, solidify her status as a marathon champion.
While she’s collected two silver medals in the 5000m from the Rio and Tokyo, her gold-medal-winning performances at the World Cross Country Championships and consistent excellence in the Diamond League showcase her versatility and competitive spirit. As one fan put it, “She has been a top runner for so long and at different distances. She also shows top-notch sportsmanship and her attitude and confidence are amazing.”
From Humble Beginnings to GOAT
Obiri's path to distance running wasn't a straight shot. Starting on the Kenyan school tracks with the 200m and 400m, she even took a detour into netball before reclaiming her athletic destiny. Spotted by 2000 Olympic 1500m Champion Noah Ngeny and coached by Ricky Simms, a switch to the 1500m ignited her track career.
But Obiri, a relentless pursuer of new challenges, wasn't content to rest on her laurels. In 2022, she made a bold move, relocating to Colorado and joining coach Dathan Ritzenhein's program to conquer a new frontier: the marathon.
The transition raised eyebrows, but Obiri thrived on defying expectations. Her natural talent and relentless work ethic quickly translated to marathon success.
Hellen Obiri x Shokz
In 2024, Shokz proudly welcomed Obiri into our elite athlete family, marking the beginning of a powerful partnership.
Shokz, founded in 2011, has redefined audio experiences with our innovative open-ear wireless headphones. Our commitment to pushing boundaries aligns perfectly with Obiri's relentless pursuit of greatness.
Just as Hellen fearlessly challenges herself to reach new heights, Shokz continuously innovates to deliver exceptional audio experiences. It's a partnership born from a shared ethos: to be open to the world, and open to limitless possibilities.