MARK ODHIAMBO PROFILE
| AGE | 33 YEARS |
| GENDER | MALE |
| OCCUPATION | ATHLETE |
Mark Otieno Odhiambo’s story is a definition of renewed hope and redemption. Once among the quickest runners in Kenya, he made headlines for all the wrong reasons when he missed the Olympics after being banned from the Tokyo Games for doping in 2021.
However, Odhiambo’s career revived as he made a stunning return to form, earning selection to compete for Kenya in international competitions. He is once again the face of Kenya’s sprinting future.
Mark Otieno’s Early Life and Career
Mark Otieno Odhiambo was born on May 11, 1993, and raised in Kajiado County.
His professional career kicked off in 2013 after high school, when he committed to full-time sprinting.
He started drawing attention in 2014 when he reached the semifinals at the Kenyan National Championships and won bronze in the 100 meters at the East African Athletics Championships.
His breakthrough came in 2016, when he was selected for the African Championships and went on to represent Kenya at the World Championships in London in 2017, securing a silver medal at the World Athletics Relays.
PHOTO | Mark Otieno | Instagram
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Odhiambo set a Kenyan 100 m national record of 10.14 seconds.
In 2021, Mark clocked a personal best of 10.05 seconds in Nairobi, earning him selection for the Tokyo Olympics, which he did not compete in after a doping-related setback.
This also made him the second-fastest man in the country, only behind Ferdinand Omanyala.
Odhiambo made a comeback in 2023 and finished 2nd in Italy.
He participated in the Kip Keino Classic in 2024 and clocked 10.22 seconds.
At the Kenyan national trials at Ulinzi Stadium in 2026, Odhiambo finished second with a time of 10.36 seconds, securing qualification for the World Athletics Relays team.
Odhiambo has also been selected to represent Kenya in the 100m at the African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, Ghana.
Odhiambo expressed joy and confidence after he was selected for the upcoming Championships.
“I am in top form and ready to deliver strong performances,” Odhiambo said.
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Mark Otieno’s Major Achievements
| Year | Achievement |
| 2015 | Represented Kenya at the African Games; 4x100m relay 4th in 39.78. |
| 2017 | Set the Kenyan 100m record at 10.14 and won the national title. |
| 2017 | 200m personal best: 20.41. |
| 2017 | Top 8 finishes at the African Championships and All-African Games. |
| 2018 | Top 8 finishes at the African Championships. |
| 2021 | Improved 100m personal best/record to 10.05. |
| 2024 | 60m personal best: 6.68. |
| 2025 | 4x100m relay best: 38.56. |
Another notable record was the post-doping ban return clocking 10.39 seconds in Italy in 2023.
Mark Otieno’s Redemption
The Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) imposed a 14-month doping ban on Odhiambo, describing his case as “circumstances lessening”.
He was removed from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
His ban lasted from July 2021 to August 2023.
Having served his suspension, Odhiambo’s career is also a story of overcoming difficulties.
He narrated the struggles he went through and all the experience he gained during his absence from competitions.
“I have been tested for the last two years physically, mentally, spiritually… I’m now ready to move on and make a great comeback,” the sprinter stated in 2023 upon making his comeback.
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PHOTO | Mark Otieno | X
