Absa Kip Keino Classic 2025: Here is what the stars had to say
The sixth leg of this year's World Athletics Continental Tour Gold concluded in Nairobi on Saturday (May 31) with storming performances
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 1- The 2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic delivered another world class track and field competition as it marked its sixth edition on Saturday (May 31).
This is despite the sixth World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting of the season being held at a brand new venue, the 10,000-seater Ulinzi Sports Complex located south of the Central Business District of the Kenyan capital.
A deep field of 189 athletes was registered to start, among them the stellar cast of Olympic, World, Commonwealth, continental and national champions.
And here is what some of the stars and hopefuls who delivered rich performances in the day-long meeting had to say after their events.
George Malala: 16.66m PB, Men’s Shot put- KEN
I'm happy with the results, the rhythm is not there but I know as we continue it will where I want. I want to focus on my technique so that I can first qualify for Africa Championships.
Silas Senchura: Winner, Men’s 10,000m- KEN
I'm happy with the results. I managed to clock personal best. I will focus on my speed when I resume training
Titus Kiprotich: Silver medallist, Men’s 10,000m- KEN
I came here to try and finish in the podium bracket and to get an invitation for the World Championships trials. I train in Iten and I'm happy to have finished second.
Wiseman Were: Winner, Men’s 400m Hurdles- KEN
I feel good with the performance. I’m a sub-47:00 athlete though I did not achieve that I am happy with the victory. I will now sharpen on the hurdle clearance I prepare for the Diamond League.
Mercy Oketch: Winner, Women’s 400m (NR)-KEN
I feel happy with the time I have clocked, I have set a new national record and snatched it from my mentor Mary Moraa and qualified for the World Championships. The crowed made feel more energised.
Brian Tinega: Men’s 400m Race B- KEN
I had a lot of tension before the race because it was quite a strong field. I hoped to be able to qualify for the world championships in my individual event since I’m in with the relay team
Da Silva Luiz Mauricio: Winner, Men javelin- BRA
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. I’m pleased with my performance today, and my goal for my next competition in Portugal is to maintain this form, especially throwing consistently like I did today, so I achieve more personal bests or even an Area Record - like today, this throw is an Area Record for South America. I feel that I’m in the right shape for my next events, all I can do now is to be grateful to Kenya for the event you’ve put on, the whole atmosphere - everyone in the crowd was cheering and this is very positive during a competition.
Edmund Serem: Winner Men’s 3,000m Steeplechase- KEN
I competed last week in Rabat and now at home. I’m happy that my body has picked well and getting more race exposure. I'm overwhelmed by how the crowd has cheered me. That's a memory I will always carry with when I'm competing outside.
Esraa Owis: Winner, Men’s Long Jump- EGY
It feels good to be here in Kenya this was my first time and also wining was a plus for me. I still have more competitions I need to achieve the World Championships qualifying time in order to represent my country.
Ethan Katzberg: Winner, Men’s Hammer throw (WL)-CAN
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 threw my personal best and won gold at the Olympics.
Amalie Iuel: Winner, Women’s 400m Hurdles-NOR
I feel happy for my second victory here at Kipkeino. It has not been easy but I love the atmosphere and the crowd.
Jonah Koech: Winner, Men’s 800m-USA
It has taken me 15 years to be able to compete like this and break my own barrier. I almost gave up but my kit company came in at the right time. I took long in school doing my degree and army training. Feels good to compete at my home away from home
Maia McCoy: Winner, Women’s 100m-LIB
I got left in the blocks. I got a little confused in the blocks. Because when they said, shh, I thought they were going to say set. And I was like, Oh! So, I think that made me hesitate. And that's when I started. Everybody just left me. But it's OK. I covered ground, and I got the win.
Destiny Smith: Silver medallist, Women’s 100m-LIB
There is a lot I have to work on as the season progresses. This is just my second race of the season, not bad and not good. I loved competing here, Kenyans are so hospitable. I will definitely be back next year.
Shannon Ray- Bronze medallist, Women’s 100m- USA
Not my best race. But I'm still happy with the results considering the wind and altitude.
Joseph Fahnbulleh- Winner, Men's 200m-LIB
Africa is on the rise in terms of sprinting. There are many young African sprinters competing in the US, and I believe we are on the right track. My goal for the World Championships will be to get a medal, but now, I'm just focusing on getting into the rhythm.
Walaza Bayanda: Silver medallist, Men’s 100m- RSA
I felt good. It was a good line up it felt like a real championship. I love the atmosphere and how lovely Kenyan fans are. I will definitely be coming back for the next one.
Kennedy Lanchlan: Men’s 100m winner- AUS
I have been trying to run below 10 seconds and I am happy it was possible today. It 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
Ferdinand Omanyala: Bronze medallist, Men’s 100m- KEN
Not a good race as we wanted, but of course, we are correcting mistakes as we move on. Of course, we expected faster, but it’s already gone. Now we are going into the next phase, looking to execute things that we have not done. I want to appreciate the fans for coming out and cheering me on. The atmosphere was electrifying. We have been working on the transition part for the last couple of days, and we are looking to put things together.
-By Charity Wanja | Freelance Journalist
-Photos: Organisers
