Absa Kip Keino Classic: Jamaica’s Bryan Levell Returns to Nairobi in Full-Circle Moment
Jamaican sprinter Bryan Levell is set for an emotional return to Nairobi, five years after making his global debut in the Kenyan capital.
The 22-year-old will line up in the 200m at this year’s Absa Kip Keino Classic, no longer a wide-eyed teenager, but a rising force ready to revisit the city that first tested his mettle.
“It’s a great feeling knowing that I will be returning to Africa,” Levell said, reflecting on his return to the continent.
“It was a great experience. It was a bit chilly, but overall, I enjoyed myself. I’m looking forward to it.”
The last time Levell raced in Nairobi, was at the 2021 World U20 Championships, his introduction to the global stage.
“When I look at Nairobi, it reminds me of the start of my career,” the sprinter said.
“That was where I had my first competitive race, and the competition was very strong because I faced athletes from different parts of the world.”
Lessons from Junior Ranks
Levell’s last visit to the Kenyan capital brought both heartbreak and growth. At just 17, he was disqualified in the men’s 100m final, an early setback that could have derailed him. Instead, he rebounded to help Jamaica secure silver in the 4x100m relay.
Levell used the experience as fuel for the years that followed.
“It motivated me knowing that there were better days ahead,” Levell explained.
“It was just a starting journey for me. I was pretty young and it was my first time representing my country in a major competition. That experience taught me a lot.”
That growth extended beyond the track. He traded the restlessness of youth for a more measured approach to life and sport.
“As an athlete, I learned how to be patient with myself. I also learned that I have to be patient in my daily life because things always work out eventually,” he said.
The patience has paid off. Levell went on to win bronze in the 200m at the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, setting a personal best of 19.64. He has also claimed two national 200m titles in Jamaica and earned silver at the World Relays last year.
For Levell, a successful return to Nairobi is about more than victory.
“Winning (is) something that I want, running a competitive race and crossing the finish line. I want to finish the race healthily and post a good time,” Levell noted.
“I don’t want to prove anything, I will just be coming to enjoy the experience and the culture. I just want to enjoy the competition overall.”
Carrying Jamaica’s sprint legacy
In Jamaica, sprinting carries immense national pride, and Levell is part of a new generation including world champion Oblique Seville and Olympic silver medallist Kishane Thompson, carrying that legacy forward.
Following in the footsteps of sprinting giants like Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake is no small feat, but it is a challenge Levell embraces with humility.
“To me, my childhood was shaped by Yohan Blake and Usain Bolt. I grew up watching them at every championship,” Levell shared.
“To be where they were and coming to the senior ranks and experiencing what they did is a good thing. It’s a good legacy in the 200m for Jamaica, and I want to achieve that and even add more to it.”
Respecting Africa’s sprint rise
Levell is also acutely aware of Africa’s growing influence in global sprinting that has challenged the traditional Caribbean and American dominance, highlighted by the likes of 200m Olympic champion Letsile Tebogo of Botswana and African record holder in the 100m, Kenya’s Ferdinand Omanyala.
“African sprinting is really competitive, you know the likes of Tebogo, Omanyala and upcoming young ones like Bayanda Walaza, it’s a good thing to see young sprinters placing Africa on the map” Levell said.
“At the World Championships, I lined-up with Letsile Tebogo, and we always meet each other in track meets; he is a good competitor.”
As the season unfolds, Levell remains focused on the 200m, and will occasionally compete in the 100m.
“My plan for the season is to enjoy it as much as I can, more than in my previous season. I want to better my personal best,” Levell said.
Ahead of his return to Nairobi for his first 200m race of the season, Levell has a message for the fans.
“Come out and support us, cheer us on, and I promise to give my best and make you guys happy,” Levell added.
