Odira breaks silence after retaining national 800m crown to book Glasgow 2026 ticket
By Joel Masibo, June 21, 2026Fresh from her breakthrough triumph at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Lilian Odira continued her impressive run by successfully defending her national 800m title at the Kenyan Athletics Championships and Commonwealth Games trials held at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday, June 20, 2026.
The reigning world champion delivered a calculated performance, staying within the pack for much of the race before producing a strong finishing burst in the final 200 metres to stop the clock at 2:00.44 and secure victory.
“The competition was steep and a race is always a race. You can never underrate any race so I came in knowing that the field was so tight. So, I had to do my tactics well because I wanted to defend my title for the third time,” she said, speaking after the race.
Odira’s dominance
The win marked Odira’s third consecutive national title in the women’s two-lap race. Naomi Korir finished closely behind in 2:00.85, while Janet Jepkemoi Amimo claimed third place after posting 2:01.13.
By winning the event, the 27-year-old secured automatic qualification for the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, where she will be making her debut appearance.
“My first aim was to make it to the team and going forward I know we’re going to work with my coach. Commonwealth has got so many first ladies and first athletes so we’re going to work towards the championship and see the way forward. But our aim is to go and chase a medal there and hopefully we’re going to make it,” Odira stated.
The men’s 800m final attracted significant attention despite the absence of Olympic and world champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi. The race remained highly competitive, featuring a thrilling duel between defending Commonwealth Games champion Wycliffe Kinyamal and Kelvin Kimtai Loti.
Kinyamal triumphs
Kinyamal produced a decisive acceleration in the closing stages, pulling ahead with roughly 40 metres remaining before crossing the finish line in 1:44.58. Loti followed just fractions behind in 1:44.62, while Nicholas Kiplagat secured third position in 1:45.18.
Reflecting on his victory, Kinyamal admitted he had not been fully prepared due to injury setbacks.
“I don’t know where that kick came from. I didn’t train for like two weeks. I didn’t train because I had a back problem.” He noted.
The 28-year-old now has his sights set on making history by becoming the first man to win three Commonwealth Games 800m titles, having already claimed gold medals in 2018 and 2022.
“That’s what I did three weeks ago. Yeah. You already have two gold medals at the Commonwealth Games.
“I am going back to train more to defend my title. It will be a great achievement for the third title.” He said.