Javelin, Safaris, and a Personal Best: Timothy Herman’s Special Bond with Kenya’s Absa Kip Keino Classic
For Belgian javelin star Timothy Herman, a trip to Kenya’s Absa Kip Keino Classic is more than just another date on the athletics calendar. Instead, it represents a unique blend of high-stakes competition, personal history, and a deep-seated appreciation for Kenyan culture.
While the elite athletics circuit can often feel like a blur of hotels and quiet stadiums, the Kip Keino Classic offers a different experience.
"The atmosphere of the competition in Kenya is very good," Herman said, reflecting on the electric energy that greets athletes at the event.
“It’s not something we are used to seeing in Europe. We are not used to seeing large crowds out to cheer us as we compete.”
As he returns for the 2026 edition, Herman aims to launch his season successfully in Nairobi. Remarkably, the Belgian has featured in almost every edition of the gold-label event, missing only the 2022 competition.
Nairobi holds a special place in his career because it was here, during the 2023 edition, that Herman threw a massive 87.35m. That mark remains his personal best and Belgium's national record to this day.
"My manager is helping with the organization of the competition, so that is how I got entered in the first competition,” Herman explained.
“However, I became interested in coming year after year because I like the competition. I also threw my personal best in Nairobi, and that is a major reason why I keep coming."
Beyond the Track: Exploring the Safari
While the primary goal is always to launch the 800-gram spear as far as possible, Herman also prioritizes experiencing Kenya’s natural beauty.
For him, the trip provides a rare opportunity to recharge and explore a landscape that is vastly different from his training grounds in Belgium.
"Outside of the competition, we always love to explore the country. I’ve been on the Safari, and in the first two or three editions, I always came a week before and explored different places," he said.
The Yego Connection: A Rivalry Built on Respect
One of the highlights for the Nairobi crowd is always the showdown between international stars and the local hero, Julius Yego.
Known as "Mr YouTube" for the unconventional way he mastered his craft, Yego, the 2015 world champion, is a figure Herman holds in the highest regard.
"We have Julius Yego, he is a very good competitor, and everybody likes him, and that is a good thing for us. He is a good friend of mine, and after competitions, if we get time, we talk about a lot of things," Herman said.
"I’m a big fan of Julius. He made javelin popular in Africa, and it’s nice to meet up with him again. His technique is also good, and it’s nice to watch him throw."
Navigating the Physical Toll of Javelin
Despite his past success, Herman finished eighth in last year’s event, a humble reminder of the sport's physical demands. Javelin is notoriously punishing, requiring a violent transfer of energy from the legs through the torso and into the arm.
"Javelin is a very difficult thing in athletics because it’s very aggressive on your body, so you are prone to injuries," he explained.
"Last year, I had problems with my back, and at the moment, I’m doing fine. In javelin, you can also be healthy but make a poor throw if your technique is not right."
Consequently, Herman emphasizes that psychological readiness is just as vital as physical conditioning
"We are always prepared for anything, you just have to compete, hoping that all goes well. We always focus on one competition at a time," he said.
As Herman steps onto the field this year, he views the Kip Keino Classic as a vital litmus test for the events ahead.
With the European Championships scheduled for August 10 to 16, 2026, his focus is on finding his rhythm and ensuring his body holds up under the pressure of competition.
"This will be my first competition of the year, and it’s difficult to know if I’m in great shape or not. So, I hope, preferably to throw above 80m and finish the competition healthy," Herman said.
"My main target is to compete at the European Championships and hopefully also have good throws."
