Lilian Odira has pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the 2025 World Athletics Championships, stunning Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson to win the women’s 800m title.
In a thrilling race in Tokyo, the Kenyan athlete showed incredible determination to cross the finish line first, securing her place as a new star in the sport.
“I can’t believe it. Keely is an amazing athlete, and I just focused on my own race. It hasn’t sunk in yet, but I’m incredibly proud,” she said.
Odira wasn’t just fast, she was record-breaking. She completed the two-lap race in a phenomenal 1:54.62, a new championship record that leaves no doubt about her victory.
It was a race defined by a blistering pace from start to finish, with Odira leading the charge when it mattered most.
While the spotlight was on Odira’s triumph, the final podium was a tight race right up to the line.
Gold: Lilian Odira (Kenya) – 1:54.62
Silver: Georgia Hunter-Bell (Great Britain)
Bronze: Keely Hodgkinson (Great Britain)
Hodgkinson’s third-place finish came as a surprise to many who had predicted her to take gold.
Odira’s win was a high point for the Kenyan team at the championships.
Her victory added to a growing medal count for the nation, with the team now boasting seven gold medals in Tokyo.
Written by Erastus Omondi
