Lilian Odira Has Disclosed The Beneficiaries of Her Ksh12 Million Reward

Newly crowned world 800m champion Lilian Odira has revealed who will benefit most from her Ksh12 million prize money after her stunning victory at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo.

Odira’s triumph was one of the biggest surprises of the 2025 global event, which saw her join the list of Kenyan athletes who won gold. Heading to Japan, she was not considered among Kenya’s top medal hopefuls, but she defied expectations by producing the race of her life. Against strong competition, including Olympic champion Keely Hodgkinson and defending world champion Mary Moraa, the 26-year-old stormed from behind in the final stretch to claim her first-ever world title.

In the dramatic final, Moraa and Hodgkinson appeared to be battling for gold, but Odira surged past them in the last meters to snatch victory. She clocked a personal best of 1:54.62, setting a new championship record. Britain’s Georgia Bell claimed silver, while Hodgkinson settled for bronze.

Her outstanding performance earned her $70,000 (Ksh9 million) from World Athletics, the standard reward for a gold medalist. Additionally, the Kenyan government pledged an additional Ksh3 million, bringing her total windfall to Ksh15 million.

Who Will Benefit from Odira’s Earnings?

Speaking on Citizen TV’s Sporty Monday, Odira explained that her parents will be among the biggest beneficiaries.
“My parents have always stood by me. They watch all my races and even send me pocket money when I need it,” she said. “It’s their turn to enjoy the fruits of my legs.”

She also credited her longtime coach, Jacinta Maraguri, for guiding her journey since 2019. Odira promised that Maraguri will be handsomely rewarded for her dedication and belief in her potential, even during difficult times.

“We started from nothing with her. She has been with me through highs and lows,” Odira shared. “I’ve also been blessed with supportive children who motivate me daily. Every morning, they remind me why I work so hard.”

Family, she added, has been her greatest pillar. “I have the most understanding family. When I say I am going to work, they know what that means. Even when I travel, we connect on video calls and they encourage me to win.”

After her Tokyo success, Odira plans to take a short break before resuming training. Her next targets include the 2026 Commonwealth Games and the World Athletics Ultimate Championships, where she hopes to add more medals to her growing collection.