NAIROBI, May 31 (Xinhua) -- World and Commonwealth Games 5,000m champion Helen Obiri of Kenya skip Diamond League meetings in Rome and Oslo to avoid early burn out and offer her body a chance to rest and recover.
With a horde of Kenyan elite runners converging in Italian Capital on Thursday for the Diamond League, Obiri has opted to remain behind to rest and will also not compete at the Bisslet Games in Oslo, Norway on June 7.
The 28-year-old has failed to display the top form she enjoyed last year and has struggled in the two Diamond League races in Doha and Eugene.
She was in position 14 at Doha Diamond League meeting on May 4 and fifth in Eugene's Prefontaine Classic last week but she believes her full potential is yet to be realized.
"I am happy to run 14:35 at the Prefontaine Classic after a few weeks under strength. This is due to low iron levels my body is experiencing. But I promise to get better from here," said Bori, Thursday in Nairobi.
In 2015, Obiri took an early sabbatical from athletics to give birth to her daughter and in the process gained 22 kilograms. She persevered and worked hard in the gym to shade off 23 kilos.
"It was not an easy task. I added 22kgs but I managed to lose 23 to get back into competitive shape," said Obiri. "This challenge I face now is no easy also, but as an athlete you learn to live with such conditions. I promise to return stronger."
Indeed the Olympic 5,000m silver medalist is hopeful she will be able to return to her top form ahead of the Africa Championships, which will be held in Asaba, Nigeria in Aug 1-5.
"I want to compete at the Africa Games. I have my plan drawn out and I always want to do the best. The season is still young and I started early. I have to focus on other races, after poor run in Doha. I am still strong and believe in myself," she added.
