Lilian Odira, Janet Jepkemoi Chasing Final Slots in Women’s 800m in Glasgow

‎World 800m champion Lilian Odira and Janet Jepkemoi will be aiming to book their places in the women’s two-lap final when the duo line up in the semi-finals on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at 10.06 pm.

‎Odira advanced to the semis after winning her opening-round heat on Monday, finishing in 2:01.05, ahead of Wales’ Isabelle Boffey (2:01.53) and Jamaica’s Kelly-Ann Beckford (2:01.63).

‎Despite her commanding performance, Odira admitted the opening race was far from straightforward due to the chilly conditions.

‎”The race was not easy. My body responded well despite the weather conditions here; it was really cold. The main target was to make the semis, and I am glad I did,” she said.

‎Odira said the Commonwealth Games are serving as an important stepping stone towards the World Ultimate Championships scheduled for September in Budapest, Hungary.

‎While treating the championships as part of her preparations, Odira insisted she is determined to leave a lasting impression on her Commonwealth debut.

‎”I am here to make a statement because this is my debut, so definitely I will be chasing a medal if I make the finals,” she said.

‎In the first semi-final, Odira is expected to face stiff competition from South Africa’s Prudence Sekgodiso and St Vincent and the Grenadines’ Shafiqua Maloney.

How Janet Jepkemoi performed in Commonwealth games

‎Meanwhile, Jepkemoi secured her slot after finishing third in her heat timing 2:02.30 behind Australia’s Sarah Billings (2:01.51) and Botswana’s Oratile Nowe (2:02.11).

‎Jepkemoi was pleased with her race execution.

‎”The race met my expectations, I was aiming for a slot in te semis and I made it.”

‎Making only her second appearance in team Kenya since the 2024 World U20 championships in Lima, Peru, Jepkemoi said the Club Games have given her invaluable experience.

‎”It’s a great experience to be at my first Commonwealth Games. I am competing against alot of top athletes ans gaining alot of experience.”

‎Elsewhere during the morning session on Day Three, the Kenyan trio of Timothy Cheruiyot, Reynold Cheruiyot and Brian Komen will toe the line in the men’s mile heats at 1.05pm.

‎At 1.32pm, Zablon Ekwam and Elkana Sabila will take to the blocks for the men’s 200m heats.

‎Hurdler Kipkorir Rotich will kick off Kenya’s evening campaign in the men’s 400m hurdles at 9.33pm.