With several track and field athletes making headlines now, American athletes are topping the roster currently. Even at the recent Athlete of the Year finalists list, the US track and field stars stand atop. But other nations are not far behind. Among them, Australia is one that needs special mention.

Australian athlete Bendere Opamo Oboya, who had severe mental struggles in 2019, was on the verge of quitting her sport. Bringing a good name to her homeland, Oboya became the first woman to have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics. She also has a Sydney Track Classic win in 400m, as per 2021 records. However, now, an unexpected announcement excited the netizens.

Track and field star’s comeback announcement

According to an athletic fan’s X post, the caption read, “Bendera Oboya has announced she?ll be making her return to the track over 600m at Z?TOPEK:10 on December 2nd. Now with @on_running, it will be her first race since June 6th 2022, having previously announced her retirement. It?s great to see you back.” Specializing in 400m, the 23-year-old will be back in the 600m category this time.

Czech distance runner Emil Zatopek had dominated the track in his years. Paying tribute to his excellence, the governing body had named the annual meet after him. After so many successful years, Zapotek:10 had stepped into his 63rd edition. Though the race features long distance like 3000m and 5000m, there’s a smaller category of 600m as well. So, to sum up, someone who almost retired, is willing to push her limits this time.

The meet gets support from Athletics Australia and Athletics Victoria conducts it. Moreover, their partnership has enabled them to include several race divisions. 600m, 3000m, 3000m (U20), 10000m, 2000m Steeplechase, Pole Vault, Shot Put, Mile (U16) are the ones to look out for.

Underneath Oboya’s extensive athletic career lies her birthplace history. But the Ethiopian-born Oboya set her eyes on the 2017 Commonwealth Games win.

Oboya’s Commonwealth win

The then 17-year-old had passion in her eyes to sprint past competition as the freshest 400m star. Today she might have earned respect for her signature 400m, but she was once a fresher, too. At the Commonwealth Youth Games, Oboya clocked a personal best of 52.69. She credited a great deal to coach Greg Smith for her last leg cover-up.

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She had then said, “I?m still learning to run a 400m properly because I didn?t even know how to race or find a coach 18 months ago when I was running like 1 min 15 sec.” As the 23-year-old is upping her game for the Zapotek:10, her retirement plans stay postponed. Moreover, she has eyes set on her for giving a path-breaking performance again.

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