Fast Friends: Sinta Vissa and Hellen Obiri Team Up in “The Heart to Race”

ZURICH, Switzerland, July 25, 2024 - As the world gears up for the Olympics in Paris, On is excited to release “The Heart to Race,” the second episode of its "Dream Together" short film series. The film delves into the inspiring bond between On Athletics Club athletes Hellen Obiri from Kenya and Italian Sinta Vissa, highlighting the profound impact of their camaraderie on their athletic journeys. 

When Kenyan superstar Hellen Obiri and Sinta Vissa, a young Italian runner with Ethiopian roots, met at the On Athletics Club in Boulder in 2022, it marked the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Obiri had newly arrived in the USA and was without her husband and daughter Tanya for the first months of her time with the On Athletics Club. Vissa had just transitioned from college running to the professional team. 

“We just kind of clicked”, Vissa remembers. “We were cooking together, playing some Kenyan music. Everyone sees her as this big G.O.A.T., but she is very funny. Silly faces, that’s her to me. She’s an idol, but she is also a teammate and friend. I can’t keep up with her, but she does give me that push”, she laughs. 

“Even though Sinta is young, she brings something that can help me in my running. I told her, 'Your parents are far away, so I will be your parent here.’ I see her as my little girl, and we have respect for each other, ' Obiri adds.

”The Heart to Race” centers around their bond, which clearly transcends a typical mentor-mentee relationship and showcases the powerful and transformative nature of genuine support and shared experiences. 

It chronicles both Vissa and Obiri going through crushing defeats, like the 34-year-old’s first attempt at the marathon distance, which did not end in victory but in a wheelchair. Both persevere, and Vissa watches her friend and idol bounce back from a difficult start to her marathon career to storm to triumphant victories. With the Paris Olympics as their shared goal, Hellen Obiri and Sinta Vissa inspire the world of athletics by emphasizing that dreams become reality when pursued together. 

Directed by acclaimed directors J.M. Harper and Hector Aponysus, the film features passages in English, Italian, and Gusii. 

“We created this film series to celebrate the remarkable journeys of our athletes and their support systems, showcasing that the path to excellence is forged together,” says Michael Paul Stephenson, On’s Head of Film & Documentary. “Through intimate, high-access filmmaking, our dream was to offer unique insight into the lives and character of world-class champions in ways we haven’t seen before. ‘The Heart to Race,’ is more than just a film about running; it’s about the profound human connections that move us. Through Hellen and Sinta's journey, we aim to celebrate the bonds that elevate us, both on and off the track.”

The short film will premiere on July 25th, 2024, at 12:00.

You can find high-res imagery for editorial usage here (© On).

About the “Dream Together” series

The "Dream Together" series has captivated audiences worldwide with its intimate portrayals of four extraordinary athletes and their support systems. Each episode explores a unique theme, revealing the unifying power of shared dreams and the importance of the collective journey toward excellence.

Episode Breakdown:

On worked with directors J.M. Harper, Hector Aponysus and the renowned production house Park Pictures to bring this vision to life. Shot in Palm Springs, USA, Warsaw, Poland, St. Gallen, Switzerland, and Boulder, USA, the series features a transcendent, impressionistic style that captures the essence of both physical and emotional reality.

“Dream Together is not just a series; it's a celebration of the human spirit and the collective journey towards excellence,” says On Film & Documentary Lead Gessica Giulini. “We wanted to remind everyone that while we might be powerful alone, we are unstoppable when united. We encourage everyone to embrace and chase their dreams.”

About On

On was born in the Swiss Alps in 2010 with the mission to ignite the human spirit through movement – a mission that still guides the brand today. Fourteen years after market launch, On delivers industry-disrupting innovation in premium footwear, apparel and accessories for high-performance running, outdoor, training, all-day activities and tennis. On’s award-winning CloudTec® innovation, purposeful design and groundbreaking strides within the circular economy have attracted a fast-growing global fan base – inspiring humans to explore, discover and Dream On.

On is present in more than 60 countries globally and engages with a digital community on www.on.com.