Liberia’s Smith-Barnett ready for her date with Absa Kip Keino Classic Destiny
Liberia’s Smith-Barnett ready for her date with Absa Kip Keino Classic Destiny
NAIROBI, Kenya, May 30- Destiny Smith-Barnett, Liberia’s fast-rising women’s 100m sprinter, is no stranger to surprises--- her life’s biggest turning points have often come from spontaneous decisions.
This Saturday (May 31), when the 2025 Absa Kip Keino Classic explodes to life at Nairobi’s Ulinzi Sports Complex, Smith-Barnett hopes to justify her late inclusion to the field.
Born in Oakland in the Sunshine State of California, the 28-year-old elected to run for Liberia and has since won continental 4X100m relay medals at the 2023 African Games and 2024 African Championships.
She got a spot at the sixth Absa Kip Keino Classic following the withdrawal of Belgian star, Mujinga Kambudji who ended her season last week after announcing her pregnancy.
“It doesn’t matter when or how. If the lane is there, it’s mine. You stay ready so you don’t have to get ready,” the sprinter said of her late arrival.
Turned Professional
From the United States, through Liberia and into Kenya, Smith-Barnett started her journey in athletics almost by accident.
“I actually stumbled into track. A had a friend in middle school who said she was heading to practice, and I just hopped in the car with her and her grandma. That’s how it all started.”
After failing to make inroads in running, Smith-Barnett left the track for martial arts and excelled in Taekwondo and American Kickboxing.
But after joining Skyline High School, she was back on the track, competing in the 100m and 200m dashes.
And like many talented students in America, sports scholarship was a viable route to college and Smith-Barnett had to make a choice.
“When I realized I had a real shot at going to college through sport, I had to pick one, and I chose track and field.”
She was admitted to the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where she studied kinesiology--- and competed as a member of the UNLV Rebels track and field team.
Smith-Barnett turned professional in 2020 and on Saturday will be running for the first time ever in Nairobi.
“It’s my first time in Kenya, and I absolutely love it. The people are welcoming; the weather is perfect — not like the 100-degree desert heat back home in Nevada — and the food?
“Let’s just say, me and the lamb (chops) have a date right after the race!” she quipped.
Best Shape
Smith-Barnett brings a handy 10.99 lifetime best to the women’s 100m field and she is aiming to go out faster in Nairobi.
“This track has a fast reputation, and I hear it’s at altitude, I didn’t even know that.
“But hey, maybe that’s a good thing. I’ve changed a lot this season, my weight program, my diet, my circle — all so I can be in the best shape to run faster,” she said with a smile.
The women’s 100m showdown will also feature another American-born runner Maia McCoy who is also of Liberian descent.
McCoy has since returned to run for the U.S but Smith-Barnett is staying put.
“I love running in Africa. It connects me to something greater than myself. I’ve competed in Ghana, Cameroon, and now Kenya.
“This continent is rich in athletic fire, and I’m honoured to be part of that story.”
Off the track, she’s just as energetic as an avid fan of college American Football (gridiron) and American Hockey.
“I don’t know why, but I love aggressive, fast-paced games. Maybe it’s the adrenaline,” she muses.
After Kip Keino, Smith-Barnett will shift focus to punching her ticket for the Tokyo 2025 World Athletics Championships in September.
“Diamond Leagues are great, but right now, history is calling. I want to take a team to the World Championships, that’s the goal.”
-Story and photos by Richard Kibet | Freelance Journalist
