Latvian Cakss wins men’s javelin on debut at Kip Keino Classic
Latvia’s Gatis Cakss was a man over the moon after overcoming an elite field to win the men’s javelin at the Kip Keino Classic at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
The 2014 World Junior Champion rolled back the years with an overall throw of 81.74m as the 2016 Olympics champion Thomas Rohler of Germany came second with a season’s best of 80.62m.
Last year’s winner, Belgium’s Timothy Herman, had to be content with third after an overall throw of 79.94 - a season’s best for him.
Cakss, who finished 33rd at last year’s World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, described the win as the perfect welcome gift for him on his first visit to Africa.
“It's one of the best season opener for me. The competition was tough but friendly. I'm really happy to be in Kenya. It's my first time in Africa. I'm overwhelmed and happy to be here,” the Latvian said.
Kenya’s best performer in the competition was the 2019 African Games silver medalist Alexander Kiprotich who finished eighth with an overall throw of 74.63m.
Another Kenyan, 2016 Olympics silver medalist Julius Yego, was forced to withdraw in the first round after incurring an ankle injury.
Yego had thrown 72.25m in the second round and 71.00m in the third one.
