This archive report was first published on 6 October 2019.
On Saturday, October 6, 2019, world champion Hellen Obiri bounced back from a disappointing performance in the 10,000m to retain her 5000m title at the Khalifa Stadium in Doha.
Obiri led Margaret Chelimo to a Kenyan 1-2 finish, registering a championship record time of 14 minutes, 14.72 seconds. Chelimo took silver in a personal best of 14:27.49, while Lilian Kasait faded to fifth in 14:36.05.
Germany's Kostante Klosterhalfen timed 14:28.43 to finish third. Obiri's victory marked a significant comeback after her heartbreak in the 10,000m final.
Speaking to Nation Sport in Doha, Obiri revealed that the fear of going back home without a medal motivated her to win gold. She also credited her coaches for convincing her to compete in the 5000m race.
“Before the race, I asked myself what it would mean for me to go back home without a medal. I was disappointed to have missed a medal in 10,000m and I thought of pulling out of 5000m race because I felt my body was weak but I gathered courage and focused on 5000m title,” Obiri said.
Obiri plans to take a month off before starting her build-up for the 2020 Olympics, where she aims to win the 5000m title and complete her trophy cabinet.
