2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic: Olympic champions steal the show as meet records tumble in Nairobi
Canadian Paris 2024 Summer Games winners, Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers fulfil favourite roles to perfection as sixth edition wraps up in Kenya
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 31- Canadian Olympic champions, Ethan Katzberg and Camryn Rogers fulfilled their favourite roles to perfection as a slew of meet records fell when the sixth Absa Kip Keino Classic meeting successfully concluded in Nairobi on Saturday (May 31).
The sixth World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting of the season unfolded in a cracking atmosphere as thousands of fans cheered on the track and field talent on show.
And for the first time, the military-owned 10,000-seater Ulinzi Sports Complex Stadium hosted the annual event and despite initials concerns, the switch proved to be a masterstroke, as the facility turned into a cacophony of colour and a cauldron of noise.
Australia’s Lachran Kennedy produced arguably the most stunning upset of the day when he powered to a 9.98 personal best to shock the men’s 100m field and left the home crowd numb in the process.
And he chose the perfect moment to do it, at the very last race and blue riband final of the day!
World leading
But first to the infield where Katzberg exploded to produce the world leading throw of 82.73m on his second outing of the season to take the top honours.
“Kenya feels like a second home. I started off my career here and that is why I love coming back plus I also keep posting good results here.
“I did not expect to set a World Lead here but I love how my season is shaping. Last year I threw my personal best (here) and won gold at the Olympics,” the Paris 2024 Summer Games winner said.
Rogers sealed the Canadian double at the event when she won gold in a season’s best of 77.93m.
Denmark’s Katrine Koch Jacobsen and Janee Kassanavoid filled the podium in that order with best throws of 74.21m and 74.17m.
Double South American champion, Luiz Mauricio Da Silva of Brazil, upset a deep field to win the men’s Javelin a meet record of 86.34m.
"It’s been a great experience to come back to Kenya. This is my second time here, and I feel this was a good competition for me with solid series throws. Now, I need to prepare for this year’s Tokyo Championships.
Rio 2016 Olympic champion, Thomas Rohler of Germany launched his first effort to 80.79m that was enough for the silver, and he did not achieve any other legal throw on the day.
Local hero and Beijing 2015 World Champion, Julius Yego finished fifth with his 78.74m effort in the second round.
Stunning performance
On the track, Norway’s Amalie Iuel delivered a stunning performance in the women’s 400m Hurdles— setting a new meet record of 54.80.
Kristiina Halonen of Finland clocked a new personal best of 55.32 for silver with German Eileen Demes rounding off the podium.
And now to the main event of the day.
The pre-race hype was the showdown between Omanyala, the two-time Kip Keino Classic champion and Walaza, the newly minted Guangzhou 2025 World Relays champion.
To the disappointment of the crowd that was screaming and cheering for their hero, the athletes had to be called back for a false start, heightening the tension.
However, much to their relief, every athlete was given a green card, meaning no starter would be ejected from the contest.
But from the restart, Kennedy ran clean through for his biggest career victory at the World Continental Gold Tour series.
“I have been trying to run below 10 seconds and I am happy it was possible today. It is a huge PB for considering how elite the field was and at a high altitude.
“It means the season is heading in the right direction for me,” the Australian winner said.
The South African took silver as Omanyala closed the podium for bronze...his dream for a Kip Keino Classic three-peat postponed to another year.
The women’s corresponding race saw Maia McCoy lead Liberian compatriot Destiny Barnett-Smith to the 1-2, with the clocks returning 11.21 against 11.29.
Egypt’s Bassant Hemida took bronze in 11.49.
Organisers are now looking forward to keep the Kip Keino Classic--- named after the legendary Kenyan distance-running icon, Dr. Kipchoge Keino--- who was present on the day--- in the Continental Tour Gold or better, have it promoted to the Wanda Diamond League in the future.
-By Organisers
-Photos: Organisers
