In the heart of Kenya, in the small village Chemichemi, a young girl named Lydia Simiyu began her journey as an athlete. Her path has been marked by both highs and lows, making her a true inspiration for athletes and young girls who dream of breaking barriers in the world of sports.

 

At a young age Lydia had lost her father due to an illness. Because Lydia was the oldest child, she became responsible for taking care of her family and doing the household. However, it didn’t stop Lydia from discovering her passion for running: “I liked running together with my friends. When my mom used to send me to a shop, I used to run.” This early fascination with the sport set the stage for her athletic career.

 

One day Lydia’s was inspired by the performances of female athletes like Linet Masai and Pamela Jelimo. Their dedication and strength resonated with her, motivating her to pursue her dreams in athletics. She ran from home to school every day. In school, she competed on the 800, 1500, and 10.000 meter. Soon she started winning races and became able to financially support her family.

 

Lydia’s journey has not been without its challenges. Due to high blood pressure, she was prescribed medication. Unfortunately, the medication contained a prohibited substance that resulted in a temporary suspension. This taught her big life lessons. Financial struggles, physical injuries, and the COVID-19 pandemic further tested Lydia, but she persevered, emerging stronger with each setback.

 

What motivates Lydia the most is her family. Her son is her greatest motivator, and besides that, her mom has always supported her. They are the reason why Lydia will always give a hundred percent each race. Her biggest highlights came in 2021 when she won the Cape Town Marathon as a late entry, in her debute, setting a course record. This achievement marked a turning point in her career.

 

Lydia believes her strengths as an athlete lie in her determination and discipline. She follows a diet of African dishes such as ugali and githeri. Besides, she eats a lot of vegetables, and drinks milk to fuel her body for training sessions starting at 6 AM in the morning. Volare Sports provides Lydia with support, training, physiotherapy, personal guidance and more. Together with Volare Sports, Lydia aims to run her personal best in 2023, pushing her limits and inspiring others.

 

Her message to young girls aspiring to be athletes is simple but powerful: “Train hard, be disciplined, make the right choices each day and involve the right people, and you can become a good runner.”

 

Lydia Simiyu’s story is a testament to the power of dreams, determination, and the spirit of female athletes. Her journey is a reminder that with faith and hard work, everything is possible. As Lydia mentioned: “Everything with God is possible.” Lydia Simiyu’s story is a beacon of hope for all those who dare to dream and chase their passion, no matter where they come from or what obstacles they face.