Hellen Obiri stands as a prominent figure in the world of athletics, earning recognition as one of Kenya’s leading athletes and establishing her legacy as one of Africa’s most prolific competitors.
Her remarkable achievements include multiple medals on the international stage and the prestigious title of two-time World Champion in the 5000m event.
In addition to her illustrious career, Hellen Obiri recently clinched victory at the 2023 New York Marathon, further solidifying her status as a top-tier athlete.
Join us as we delve into the extraordinary journey of Hellen Obiri, both on and off the track, and explore the net worth that reflects her remarkable success and accomplishments.
Hellen Obiri Net Worth
Hellen Obiri, a renowned middle-distance runner hailing from Kisii County, Kenya, has made a name for herself as both a wealthy and accomplished athlete.
With a net worth of around $5 million as of June 1, 2023, her financial success is impressive.
Notably, she started her athletic journey while serving as a soldier in the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF). It was here that she laid the foundation for her successful career in athletics.
Early Life and Age
Hellen Onsando Obiri, aged 33 and a Kenyan, specializes in middle- and long-distance running. She hails from Kisii in south-western Kenya and is the fourth of six children.
At the age of 14, she was recruited as a 200 and 400 meters sprinter and attended Riruta Central Secondary School in Nairobi.
However, her interest in the sport waned. She stopped running completely in 2006 and 2007, choosing to prioritize her studies instead.
It was only in her pursuit of a military career that she rekindled her involvement in athletics.
In 2009, Hellen Obiri successfully completed her training at the Kenya Defence Forces Recruit Training School in Eldoret.
Career Breakthrough
Hellen Obiri embarked on her running journey, starting with the 2010 Kenya Armed Forces Cross Country Championships, where she achieved a 32nd place finish.
With some dedicated training, she improved and secured the fifth position the following year.
As a proud member of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF), Obiri gained her first taste of international competition at the 2011 Military World Games in Rio de Janeiro.
There, she earned a bronze medal in the 800 meters and came fourth in the 1500 meters.
Following her success in Rio, she made her debut in the 2011 World Championships in Athletics, held in Daegu, South Korea, competing in the 1500 meters.
During the heats, Obiri set a personal best time of 4:07.59.
Unfortunately, she had a fall in the final race, causing pre-event favorite Morgan Uceny to tumble as well, and she ultimately finished in the 10th position.
Determined to bounce back, Obiri returned to Kenya after the Daegu experience and started training rigorously.
Hellen Obiri Net Worth, Awards and Achievements
Obiri, a highly decorated and accomplished athlete. She has earned her accolades and achievements through her unwavering hard work, dedication, and exceptional talent.
- Two-time Olympic 5000 metres silver medalist (2016, 2020)
- Two-time world champion in the 5000 metres (2017, 2019)
- World bronze medalist in the 1500 metres (2013)
- World silver medalist in the 10,000 metres (2022)
- World Indoor Champion in the 3000 metres (2012)
- World Cross Country Champion (2019)
- Boston Marathon Champion (2023)
- New York Marathon Champion (2023)
Personal Life
Hellen is happily married to Tom Nyaundi, who is also an athlete. Together, they have a daughter named Tania Blessing Macheche, born in 2015, and as of 2022, she is 7 years old.
Hellen underwent a caesarean section for the birth of her daughter, but she made a speedy recovery and was back to racing within just 7 months.
