Naomi Korir reveals how fistula shaped her path to Commonwealth final

Kenyan middle-distance runner Naomi Korir has described how living with congenital fistula forced her to limit her running as a child, years before she reached a Commonwealth Games final. In an interview published by BBC Sport Africa, Korir explained how surgery and support with her education helped her return to athletics and eventually compete professionally.

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Korir finished fifth in the women's mile final at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in August, according to the BBC report. That appearance was her first major global final. Her account of the years preceding her international career describes both the practical difficulties of taking part in sport and the isolation she experienced while living with the condition.

As a schoolgirl, Korir took part in football, netball, athletics and rugby, but persistent urine leakage made training difficult. She told the BBC she shortened her running distances to reduce the problem and began competing in the 100m hurdles. Sport nevertheless remained important to her: taking part in activities helped her occupy her time when she felt excluded by other people.

Her first two operations did not resolve the condition. A third procedure, performed in August 2013 at Gynocare Hospital in her home town of Eldoret, finally brought relief. The hospital's support continued beyond the operation. Through its Young Fistula Programme, Korir was able to continue her schooling and complete her secondary education, alongside the opportunity to resume running following successful treatment.

Korir began her professional athletics career in 2019. In 2021, she partnered Ferguson Rotich to win silver for Kenya in the 2x2x400m mixed relay at the World Relays in Poland. She then won gold with Kenya's 4x400m team at the African Championships in Mauritius the following year, adding another international relay medal before this year's individual milestone in Glasgow.

Gynocare director Caroline Mabeya told BBC Sport Africa that Korir's progress offered encouragement to women receiving support at the hospital. Mabeya described the stigma patients can face and the work needed to help rebuild their confidence after treatment. Korir said she hoped her achievements would give young women renewed hope, while making clear that she still wants to achieve more in athletics.