Hellen Onsando Obiri, popularly known as Hellen Obiri, is one of Kenya’s most successful athletes, known for her prowess in middle-distance running.
She made history as the only woman to win world titles in indoor track, outdoor track and cross country.
Obiri also represented Kenya at two Olympic Games and won silver medals in the 5,000m event at both the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
contour
- Full name: Helen Onsando Obiri
- Stage name: Helen Obiri
- Date of birth: December 13, 1989
- Age: 35 years old
- Place of birth: Kisii, Kenya
- Nationality: Kenya
- Occupation: Professional athlete
- Height: 1.6m
- Parent: Mzee Isaac Obiri
- Brothers and sisters: 5
- Spouse: Tom Niandi
- Children: Tania “blessed” Macieche
- Relationship: Married
- Net worth: $1 million and $5 million
early life and education
Hellen Onsando Obiri was born on December 13, 1989 in Kisii, Kenya, to Mzee Isaac Obiri and an unknown mother. She is the fourth of six children.
Obiri completed her primary education at Ekeonga Primary School and later attended Riruta Central Secondary School where she initially focused on academics.
However, she eventually returned to track and field, where she achieved international success. Obiri belongs to the Kisii ethnic group and believes in Christianity.
Profession
Hellen Obiri began her athletic career on the track and field where she quickly became famous for her excellence in middle and long distance running. She represented Kenya at three Olympic Games, winning silver medals in the 5,000 meters at the 2016 Rio Olympics and the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Obiri’s stellar performance in the 5,000 meters continued into the World Championships, where she won gold medals in 2017 and 2019. Additionally, her versatility across a variety of distances has led to success in the 10,000m and cross-country events, making her the most decorated middle-distance runner.
In 2022, Obiri made the switch to marathon racing, making his debut at the prestigious New York City Marathon and finishing an impressive sixth place. This marked a new chapter in her career and her hard work paid off when she won the Boston Marathon in April 2023.
She trained under coach Dathan Ritzenhein at On Athletics Club in Boulder, constantly adjusting her strategies and refining her training, proving her ability to excel in road racing and track events.
Obiri’s legacy transcends her personal achievements as she made history as the only woman to win world titles in indoor track, outdoor track and cross country. Her record-breaking versatility and competitive spirit have cemented her status as a global track and field icon.
As she prepares for upcoming competitions, including the 2024 Paris Olympics, Obiri remains focused on continuing to succeed in track and field and marathon events, using her extraordinary journey to inspire the next generation of athletes.
social media
- Instagram account: @hellenobiri
- Twitter account: @hellen_obiri
personal life
Hellen Obiri’s husband, Tom Nyaundi, is a former runner and now plays a key role in supporting her training. They have a daughter, Tania ‘Blessing’ Macheche, born in May 2015. In late 2022, the family moved to Boulder, Colorado so Obiri could train under coach Dathan Ritzenhein.
While it was initially difficult to be away from extended family, the couple has worked together to create a better life for their daughter and support each other in their personal and professional lives.
net worth
Hellen Obiri’s net worth is estimated to be between $1 million and $5 million. Her wealth comes largely from her successful career as a world-class middle-distance and marathon runner, including prize money and sponsorship deals from various competitions.