Odira Smashes 800m Record to Win World Gold for Kenya

Monday 22nd September 2025

by inAfrika Newsroom

Odira 800m gold headlines the final day of the World Athletics Championships. Kenya’s Lilian Odira surged late and won the women’s 800 metres in 1:54.62. She broke the championship record that had stood since 1983. Georgia Hunter-Bell took silver in 1:54.90. Keely Hodgkinson claimed bronze in 1:54.91. Defending champion Mary Moraa led early before fading in the home straight.

Odira 800m gold: race and record

The pace went out hard from the gun. Moraa hit the bell in 55.7 and strung the field. Odira stayed patient on the rail. She kicked at 120 metres, then split the British pair with 30 metres left. The clock confirmed a huge personal best and a 42-year championship record. The mark erased Jarmila Kratochvílová’s time from the first Worlds.

How the medals were decided

Hunter-Bell edged Hodgkinson by one hundredth for silver. Hodgkinson returned from hamstring issues and still reached the podium. Four of the top five ran personal bests after an all-out first lap. Odira said she tracked moves, waited, and trusted her finish. The Kenyan camp called the run “perfectly timed.”

What it means for Kenya

Kenya regains gold in a race long dominated by global rivals. The win caps a strong East African showing at these championships. Coaches now plan the relay depth chart and next season’s 800m program. Odira’s time resets selection standards at home. The performance also boosts Kenya’s medal table on the closing night.