L. MathekaObiri's relocation to the United States hits a snag after bumper kitting deal contract with Swiss firm
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 28.01.22. | 10:00
The decorated track athlete is making a switch to road racing this season.
Two-time world 5000m champion Hellen Obiri's planned relocation to the Unites States of America together with her family has flopped, at least for now owing to Joe Biden's current policy on immigration. The two-time Olympic silver medalist signed a mega kitting deal with with Swiss sporting brand On, joining the On Athletics Club with the offer to relocate to Boulder County, Colorado.
Her contract with Nike expired in December last year and she made the decision to move to the Colorado-based On.
She made her first appearance in an On kit in January, competing in the Northern Ireland International Cross Country, a World Athletics Cross Country Tour silver event in Dundonald.
"I was meant to move with my family to the US but we have experienced some Visa hurdles. The process of applying for permanent residence is not open until next year do I will continue training in Kenya until that is made possible," said Obiri in an interview with Mozzart Sport.
Just to clarify: for now, Obiri will remained coached by Ricky Simms. Still has some visa hurdles to clear to get herself and her family fully moved to the United States but will likely be coached by Dathan Ritzenhein eventually, per On sports marketing head Steve DeKoker. https://t.co/GNpkzZ7MXK
— Jonathan Gault (@jgault13) January 26, 2022
A year and a half ago, On launched its first professional team, On Athletics Club, coached by American distance runner Dathan Ritzenhein. Obiri, a two-time Olympics silver medalist, is the first African athlete to join the team.
"With many companies aware that my contract with Nike was due to expire, there was alot of interest and I made an informed decision to sign with On.
So far, I am loving my experience with them. They have provided everything that I need to concentrate on training. I look forward to winning more titles with them," Obiri added.
The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) athlete signed with Nike in 2011. She has gone on to make history as the only woman to win world titles in indoor track, outdoor track and cross country.
Obiri's many accolades include 5000m Silver Medalist at the 2016 Rio Olympics, back-to-back 5000m World Champion in 2017 and 2019, 5000m Silver Medalist at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, finishing out her track career as the 5000m Silver Medalist at the 2021 Diamond League final.
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