Odira backs Kipyegon despite difficult start to season

Odira urged fans to remain patient, reminding critics that Kipyegon was managing a lingering hamstring injury she got in Shanghai and praised her immense contributions to Kenya's athletics legacy.

Lilian Odira offered an inspiring defense of the three-time Olympic champion, including an emotional plea for fans to support Kipyegon through her tough start to the season.

Earlier this month Kipyegon finished fourth in the Monaco Diamond League women's 3000m with a time of 8:24.21. The race was won by fellow Kenyan Agnes Ngetich, who clocked a world-leading and personal best time of 8:08.95, following her third place finish in Prefontaine Classic women's mile (4:17.80).

Kipyegon gracefully accepted the defeat, candidly admitting she was not at 100% fitness due to a hamstring injury she had been carrying since the Shanghai Diamond League.

“Faith has carried the burden for this country I think since I was young. She has been running for us winning gold medals and I don’t think if there is a single medal she has missed.

“She has been doing exemplary well and now that she has done well in only two events, we have forgotten what she has done for our country?” said Odira.

Odira who will represent kenya in the upcoming Commonwealth Games in Glasgow emphasized that fans should understand that athletes cannot always publicly disclose their physical ailments, and that it is unfair to dismiss Kipyegon's legendary career after just a couple of off-races.