Kenyan middle-distance runner Naomi Korir, 28, achieved a career high in August by finishing fifth in the mile final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. This achievement follows a challenging journey for Korir, who was born with fistula, a medical condition that can cause uncontrolled leakage of urine or faeces.
Korir initially reduced her running to shorter distances, such as 100m hurdles, due to the continuous leakage. She explained, "I reduced my running to shorter distances to reduce the leaking."
After two unsuccessful operations, a third surgery in August 2013, performed by Gynocare Hospital in Eldoret, finally brought relief. This procedure allowed Korir to pursue her athletics career properly and continue her education through Gynocare's Young Fistula Programme.
Since then, Korir has achieved significant sporting success, including a silver medal in the 2x2x400m mixed relay at the World Relays in 2021 and a gold medal in the 4x400m relay at the African Championships in 2022. She now aims to be a champion in sport, with the World Championships in Beijing next year and the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028 on her horizon.