World 800m champion Lilian Odira has called for a change in the perception that only men can excel in coaching, crediting her success to the guidance of veteran coach Jacinta Muraguri.Odira, who claimed the world title last year before adding a Commonwealth Games silver medal to her growing list of achievements, says working with a female coach has given her the understanding and support she needs both as an athlete and as a mother.Download our Mozzart Sport App for more newsThe middle-distance star believes female coaches bring a unique perspective when guiding women athletes, particularly in understanding the challenges they face away from competition.“I love being coached by a woman because she understands more about me, that I'm a mother just like she is. She knows what I go through when it comes to sports. When I come to explain it to her, she understands more than maybe when I explain it to a male coach,” Odira told World Athletics.##NAJAVA_MECA_9907460##Odira said her experience under Muraguri should encourage a shift in attitudes towards female coaches, insisting they are equally capable of producing champions.“We should change the narrative that it is only the male coaches who are capable of doing it. Female coaches have also done excellent work,” she said.The 800m star also pointed to the growing success of Kenyan women on the international stage as evidence that old stereotypes about women in sport have long been shattered.“We've changed the sport narrative. People back then thought that women could not do well in sports, but now the narrative has changed. When you look at the Kenya team, it is now the women who are performing,” she added.Odira's remarks come as Athletics Kenya continues efforts to increase female representation in coaching in line with the World Athletics Gender Leadership Strategy. Odira set for yet another heavyweight showdown at Zurich Diamond LeagueThe initiative aims to ensure women make up at least 40 per cent of CECS Level 1 coaches among member federations by 2029.Muraguri, one of Kenya's experienced athletics coaches, believes achieving that target will inspire more women to venture into coaching while improving the performance of female athletes.“It is very encouraging, and it is high time ladies came up because who will fill this 40% if we are not there?” she posed.Athletics Kenya has already made significant strides towards that goal. Ngetich, Ebenyo to lead Kenya's squad at World Road Running ChampionshipsIn October last year, 44 women from different regions across the country completed a CECS Level 1 coaching course delivered by the African Athletics Development Centre (AADC), equipping them with the skills to begin their coaching journeys.The federation has also benefited from the involvement of some of Kenya's most celebrated former athletes, including: Janeth Jepkosgei, Rose Tata Muia and Milcah Chemos, who are now helping nurture the next generation of talent.
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