Lilian Odira completes National three-peat as Kinyamal upsets Loti in 800m showdown

World 800m champion Lilian Odira underlined her dominance in the women’s two-lap event by storming to a third successive national title on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Athletics Kenya National Championships/Commonwealth Games trials at the Nyayo national Stadium.

‎Odira produced a commanding display to stop the clock at 2:00.44 and successfully defend her crown.

‎Naomi Korir settled for second in 2:00.85, while Janet Amimo completed the podium after timing 2:01.13.

‎Saturday’s triumph marked Odira’s third consecutive national title, further cementing her status as the country’s premier 800m specialist.

‎She first claimed the national crown in 2024 after clocking 2:02.21 to lead world U20 champion Sarah Moraa (2:02.36) and Mweni Kalimi (2:03.24).

‎Odira successfully retained the title in 2025, crossing the line in 2:02.08 ahead of Sarah Moraa (2:02.56) and Judy Kemunto (2:02.93).

‎The reigning world champion was delighted to have sealed a third straight crown on Saturday.

‎”I feel so great. I am honoured and happy to have won a third straight title,” she said.

‎However, Odira revealed that the competition was intense and that she had to execute her race plan to perfection.

‎”The competition was very stiff. I came in knowing the field was tight. I had to get my tactics right because I wanted to defend my title,” she said.

‎Following the trials, Odira said she will sit down with her coach to fine-tune her tactical approach ahead of the Commonwealth Games.

‎”My aim was to make the team. Going forward, I am going to work with my coach because the Commonwealth Games will have so many tough ladies.”

‎Her target in Glasgow is clear, to return home with a medal.

‎The aim is to go and chase a medal, and I hope I get it.”

‎Before heading to Glasgow, however, Odira will first line up at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene.

“From here, I am heading to Eugene for the Prefontaine Classic,” she said.

How Wycliffe Kinyala stunned Kelvin Loti

‎Meanwhile, in the men’s two-lap showdown, veteran Wycliffe Kinyamal stunned African champion Kelvin Loti in a gripping finish to reclaim the national title.

‎Kinyamal timed 1:44.58 to edge out Loti, who crossed the line just four hundredths of a second later in 1:44.62.

‎Nicholas Kiplagat clocked 1:45.18 to round off the podium places.

‎Kinyamal expressed his delight after emerging victorious in a fiercely contested race.

‎”The competition was tough, but I persevered and was able to finish first. I am happy about that,” Kinyamal said.

‎The teo-time Commonwealth champion further disclosed that he had battled back problems in the build-up to the championships.

‎I haven’t trained for two weeks because I had some back problems. I came into the trials with that same problem, and I was just gauging my body.”

‎”I am happy that I was still able to win the race,” he added.